amylase

noun

am·​y·​lase ˈa-mə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-ˌlāz
: any of a group of enzymes (such as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

Examples of amylase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Enzymes like amylase break down the starches and sugars into glucose. — Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 6 Apr. 2026 Lipase breaks down fats, amylase breaks down carbs, and proteases and peptidases both break down proteins, to name a few. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 11 Mar. 2026 Your body uses an enzyme called amylase that breaks the alpha bonds to release glucose molecules, which cells break down further to use for energy. — Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 2026 To create a smoother, creamier product, many commercial oat milk products use amylase enzymes, which break down the starch in oats into simpler sugars, like maltose. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amylase

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amylase was in 1883

Rhymes for amylase

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Browse Nearby Words

amyl alcohol
amylase
amylene hydrate
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Cite this Entry

“Amylase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amylase. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās How to pronounce amylase (audio)
-lāz
: an enzyme that speeds up the digestion of starch or glycogen

called also diastase

Medical Definition

amylase

noun
am·​y·​lase ˈam-ə-ˌlās, -ˌlāz How to pronounce amylase (audio)
: any of a group of enzymes (as amylopsin) that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen or their intermediate hydrolysis products

More from Merriam-Webster on amylase

Nglish: Translation of amylase for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amylase

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