lactase

[ lak-teys, -teyz ]

/ ˈlæk teɪs, -ˌteɪz /

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noun Biochemistry.

an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing lactose into glucose and galactose.

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Origin of lactase

First recorded in 1890–95; lact- + -ase

Words nearby lactase

lact-, lactalbumin, lactam, lactarian, lactary, lactase, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, lactation, lactation tetany, lacteal

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use lactase in a sentence

Dense populations, measured via the distribution of skeletal remains, also explained some of the pressure towards lactase persistence.
Ancient milk-drinkers were just fine with their lactose intolerance–until famine struck|Philip Kiefer|July 28, 2022|Popular-Science
Only when famine and disease turned lactose into a liability did adults hang onto lactase, the key enzyme that breaks down the sugar.
Ancient milk-drinkers were just fine with their lactose intolerance–until famine struck|Philip Kiefer|July 28, 2022|Popular-Science
Before that time, increasing levels of lactase persistence tended to align with population busts linked to famines in particular regions, the researchers report.
Famine and disease may have driven ancient Europeans’ lactose tolerance|Bruce Bower|July 27, 2022|Science News
No current proposal explains how lactase persistence spread, he says.
Famine and disease may have driven ancient Europeans’ lactose tolerance|Bruce Bower|July 27, 2022|Science News

British Dictionary definitions for lactase

lactase

/ (ˈlækteɪs, -teɪz) /

noun

any of a group of enzymes that hydrolyse lactose to glucose and galactose

Word Origin for lactase

C20: from lacto- + -ase

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for lactase

lactase

[ lăk′tās′ ]

An enzyme that is found in the small intestine, liver, and kidneys of mammals and catalyzes the breakdown of lactose into galactose and glucose.