alliinase

noun

al·​li·​in·​ase ˈa-lē-ə-ˌnās 

plural alliinases

: an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of alliin to allicin in plants of the genus Allium (such as garlic and onion)

But as soon as you crush or cut a clove of garlic, an enzyme called alliinase is released, converting alliin into allicin.

—Judy Foreman, Boston Globe, 19 Feb. 1996

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Alliinase, from Alliin alliin + -ase -ase

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!