papain

[ puh-pey-in, -pahy-in ]
/ pəˈpeɪ ɪn, -ˈpaɪ ɪn /

noun

Biochemistry. a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya.
Pharmacology. a commercial preparation of this used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestant.

Origin of papain

First recorded in 1885–90; papa(ya) + -in2

Example sentences from the Web for papain

British Dictionary definitions for papain

papain
/ (pəˈpeɪɪn, -ˈpaɪɪn) /

noun

a proteolytic enzyme occurring in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya: used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as an aid to protein digestion

Word Origin for papain

C19: from papaya

Medical definitions for papain

papain
[ pə-pāĭn, -pīĭn ]

n.

An enzyme, or a crude extract containing it, that digests protein, catalyzes the hydrolysis or transfer of esters, amides, or other chemical groups containing sulfur, and is used as a digestive aid.