hexosaminidase

noun

hex·​os·​a·​min·​i·​dase ˌhek-ˌsä-sə-ˈmi-nə-ˌdās How to pronounce hexosaminidase (audio)
-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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hexosaminidase was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near hexosaminidase

Cite this Entry

“Hexosaminidase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hexosaminidase. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hexosaminidase

noun
hex·​os·​a·​min·​i·​dase ˌhek-ˌsäs-ə-ˈmin-ə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz How to pronounce hexosaminidase (audio)
: either of two hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze the splitting off of a hexose from a ganglioside and are deficient in some metabolic diseases:
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