ptyalin

[ tahy-uh-lin ]
/ ˈtaɪ ə lɪn /

noun Biochemistry.

an enzyme in the saliva that converts starch into dextrin and maltose.
Also called salivary amylase.

Origin of ptyalin

1835–45; < Greek ptýal(on) spittle, saliva + -in2

Words nearby ptyalin

ptui, ptv, pty, ptyalagogue, ptyalectasis, ptyalin, ptyalism, ptyalo-, ptyalocele, pu, pu-yi

Example sentences from the Web for ptyalin

British Dictionary definitions for ptyalin

ptyalin
/ (ˈtaɪəlɪn) /

noun

biochem an amylase secreted in the saliva of man and other animals

Word Origin for ptyalin

C19: from Greek ptualon saliva, from ptuein to spit

Medical definitions for ptyalin

ptyalin
[ tī′ə-lĭn ]

n.

An amylase present in saliva that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose and dextrin.

Scientific definitions for ptyalin

ptyalin
[ tī′ə-lĭn ]

An enzyme found in the saliva of humans and herbivorous animals that helps in the predigestion of starches. Ptyalin is a type of amylase.