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
Definition for salivary amylase (2 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for salivary amylase
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 salivary amylase
ptyalin
[ tī′ə-lĭn ]
n.
An amylase present in saliva that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose and dextrin.
Scientific definitions for salivary amylase
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.