L-asparaginase

noun

L-as·​par·​a·​gi·​nase ˈel-a-ˈsper-ə-jə-ˌnās 

-ˌnāz,

-ˈspa-rə-

: an enzyme that breaks down the physiologically commoner form of asparagine, is obtained especially from bacteria, and is used especially to treat leukemia

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

L-asparaginase

noun

L-as·​par·​a·​gi·​nase

ˈel-as-ˈpar-ə-jə-ˌnās, -ˌnāz

: an enzyme that breaks down the physiologically commoner form of asparagine, is obtained especially from bacteria, and is used especially to treat leukemia