hyaluronidase
[ hahy-uh-loo-ron-i-deys, -deyz ]
/ ˌhaɪ ə lʊˈrɒn ɪˌdeɪs, -ˌdeɪz /
noun
Biochemistry.
a mucolytic enzyme found in the testes, in snake venom, and in hemolytic streptococci and certain other bacteria, that decreases the viscosity of the intercellular matrix by breaking down hyaluronic acid.
Pharmacology.
a commercial form of this substance, used chiefly to promote the diffusion of intradermally injected drugs.
Origin of hyaluronidase
Words nearby hyaluronidase
hyaloserositis,
hyalosis,
hyalosome,
hyaluronate,
hyaluronic acid,
hyaluronidase,
hyannis port,
hyattsville,
hybrid,
hybrid antibody,
hybrid bill
British Dictionary definitions for hyaluronidase
hyaluronidase
/ (ˌhaɪəlʊˈrɒnɪˌdeɪs, -ˌdeɪz) /
noun
an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, thus decreasing the viscosity of the medium containing the acid
Word Origin for hyaluronidase
C20:
hyalo- + Greek
ouron urine +
-id ³ +
-ase
Medical definitions for hyaluronidase
hyaluronidase
[ hī′ə-lu-rŏn′ĭ-dās′, -dāz′ ]
n.
Any of three enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid, thus increasing tissue permeability to fluids. One or more of these enzymes occur in the testes and in spermatozoa.