asparaginase

[ uh-spar-uh-juh-neys, -neyz ]
/ əˈspær ə dʒəˌneɪs, -ˌneɪz /

noun Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of asparagine to aspartic acid and ammonia, used in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Origin of asparaginase

First recorded in 1960–65; asparagine + -ase

Medical definitions for asparaginase

asparaginase
[ ə-spărə-jə-nās′, -nāz′ ]

n.

A bacterial enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of asparagine and is used in the treatment of leukemia.