actinidin

noun

ac·​ti·​nid·​in ak-tə-ˈnī-dᵊn 

plural actinidins

: an enzyme found especially in the kiwifruit that breaks down protein by hydrolysis and is used chiefly as a tenderizer for meat

When you're cooking with kiwi, remember they contain an enzyme called actinidin that prevents gelatin from setting up in the same way that the enzyme bromelain in pineapple does.

—Barbara Durbin, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 21 Aug. 2001

Word History

Etymology

actinid(ia) + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

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