protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprō-tē-ˌās 

-ˌāz

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (such as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

Examples of protease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her mast cells released their granules of chemicals — histamine and heparin, proteases and prostaglandin, tryptase and chymase, and hundreds more molecular warning sirens — making Dyer sicker and sicker. —Kate Raphael, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2025

This capsule helps target bloating and digestive discomfort associated with dairy or gluten triggers with a blend of protease enzymes, dandelion root, turmeric, and pepper. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

Bromelain, a complex mixture of protease enzymes found in the juice and stem of pineapples has a long history of being used to treat a host of issues, including digestion, swelling, and inflammation. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025

For example, lipase helps break down fats, protease targets proteins, and lactase breaks down the naturally occurring sugar called lactose in dairy products. —Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French protéase, from protéine protein + -ase -ase

Note: The French term was probably introduced by the Italian microbiologist and philosopher Giovanni Malfitano (1872-1941) in "Sur le protéase de l'Aspergillus niger," Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, tome quatorzième (1900), p. 420. The term protease was used in English without attribution to Malfitano and perhaps coined independently by the British botanist Sydney Howard Vines (1849-1934) in "Proteolytic Enzymes in Plants," Annals of Botany, vol. 17, no. 65 (January, 1903), p. 237.

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing protease

• protease inhibitor

Rhymes for protease

• aldolase
• alleyways
• amylase
• anaphase
• anhydrase
• anyways
• arginase
• cabarets
• carriageways
• castaways
• catalase
• cellulase

Medical Definition

protease

noun

pro·​te·​ase ˈprōt-ē-ˌās, -ˌāz 

: any of numerous enzymes that hydrolyze proteins and are classified according to the most prominent functional group (as serine or cysteine) at the active site

called also proteinase

compare peptidase