: a mixture of exopeptidases obtained especially from the intestinal juice

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary er- (probably from Latin eripere to snatch away, from e- + rapere to seize) + pepsin — more at rapid

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of erepsin was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

: a mixture of peptidases from the intestinal juice

Medical Definition

: a proteolytic fraction obtained especially from the intestinal juice and known to be a mixture of exopeptidases
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