hexosaminidase

noun

hex·​os·​a·​min·​i·​dase ˌhek-ˌsä-sə-ˈmi-nə-ˌdās 

-ˌdāz

: either of two hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze the splitting off of a hexose from a ganglioside and are deficient in some metabolic diseases (such as Tay-Sachs disease)

Word History

Etymology

hexose + amino + -ide + -ase

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hexosaminidase

noun

hex·​os·​a·​min·​i·​dase ˌhek-ˌsäs-ə-ˈmin-ə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz 

: either of two hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze the splitting off of a hexose from a ganglioside and are deficient in some metabolic diseases:

a

: hexosaminidase a

b

: hexosaminidase b