diastase

noun

di·​a·​stase ˈdī-ə-ˌstās How to pronounce diastase (audio)
-ˌstāz
1
: amylase
especially : a mixture of amylases from malt
2
: enzyme

Examples of diastase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once the brewer adds yeast to the malted grain, then, the diastase can produce more sugar to feed the yeast—and that produces carbon dioxide, alcohol, and a sweet taste. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 5 June 2020 The whole point of malting is to make the grains release diastase but then stop the process before the starch gets turned into sugar. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 5 June 2020

Word History

Etymology

French, from Greek diastasis separation, interval, from diistanai to separate, from dia- + histanai to cause to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diastase was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near diastase

Cite this Entry

“Diastase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diastase. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

diastase

noun
di·​a·​stase ˈdī-ə-ˌstās How to pronounce diastase (audio)

Medical Definition

diastase

noun
di·​a·​stase ˈdī-ə-ˌstās, -ˌstāz How to pronounce diastase (audio)
1
: amylase
especially : a mixture of amylases from malt
2
: enzyme

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