kinase

noun

ki·​nase ˈkī-ˌnās How to pronounce kinase (audio)
-ˌnāz
: any of various enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from a high-energy phosphate-containing molecule (such as ATP) to a substrate compare protein kinase

Examples of kinase in a Sentence

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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.
When there’s no pathogen present, the two kinases are bound together — thus the handcuffs analogy. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 At the heart of rapamycin’s power lies its ability to inhibit a protein called the target of rapamycin kinase, or TOR. — Ted Powers, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025 Previous research identified a problem protein, focal adhesion kinase, in several high-grade cases of ovarian cancer. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 These cytokines travel through a pathway in the body known as the JAK-STAT pathway (short for Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription). — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kinase

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from kinetic

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinase was in 1947

Phrases Containing kinase

Rhymes for kinase

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Browse Nearby Words

kinara
kinase
Kincardine
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

kinase

noun
ki·​nase ˈkī-ˌnās, -ˌnāz How to pronounce kinase (audio)
: any of various enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from a high-energy phosphate-containing molecule (as ATP or ADP) to a substrate

called also phosphokinase

More from Merriam-Webster on kinase

Nglish: Translation of kinase for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kinase

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