: an enzyme that hydrolyzes beta-galactosides (such as lactose) and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts
Examples of lactase in a Sentence
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There are different types of enzymes specific to different nutrients, including:
protease for proteins
lipase for fats
lactase for lactose
sucrase for sucrose
How do digestive enzymes work?
—
Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
It's been found that in people with lactose intolerance, variations in the lactase gene change the protein building blocks (amino acids) of the lactase enzyme produced.
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024
This often occurs because the damage gluten causes to the small intestine can reduce lactase production, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 5 Oct. 2024
Enzyme lactase: These medications, like Lactaid or Dairy Ease, are meant to help people with lactose intolerance digest foods with lactose and might help prevent protein farting related to lactose.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 31 July 2024
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Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024
It's been found that in people with lactose intolerance, variations in the lactase gene change the protein building blocks (amino acids) of the lactase enzyme produced.
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024
This often occurs because the damage gluten causes to the small intestine can reduce lactase production, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 5 Oct. 2024
Enzyme lactase: These medications, like Lactaid or Dairy Ease, are meant to help people with lactose intolerance digest foods with lactose and might help prevent protein farting related to lactose.
—Cristina Mutchler, Health, 31 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for lactase
Dictionary Entries Near lactase
Cite this Entry
“Lactase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactase. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lactase
noun
lac·tase
ˈlak-ˌtās 
: an enzyme that breaks down lactose and related compounds and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts
Medical Definition
lactase
noun
lac·tase
ˈlak-ˌtās, -ˌtāz
: an enzyme that hydrolyzes especially lactose to glucose and galactose and occurs especially in the intestines of young mammals and in yeasts
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