kallikrein

noun

kal·​li·​kre·​in ˌka-lə-ˈkrē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) kə-ˈli-krē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio)
: a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

Examples of kallikrein 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.
However, the process of harvesting these therapeutically useful molecules from donor blood can yield preparations contaminated with another, potentially dangerous blood protein known as pre-kallikrein activator. Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

German, from Greek kallikreas sweetbread, pancreas, from kalli- beautiful (from kallos beauty) + kreas flesh — more at raw

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kallikrein was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near kallikrein

Cite this Entry

“Kallikrein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kallikrein. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

kallikrein

noun
kal·​li·​kre·​in ˌkal-ə-ˈkrē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio) kə-ˈlik-rē-ən How to pronounce kallikrein (audio)
: a hypotensive protease that liberates kinins from blood plasma proteins and is used therapeutically for vasodilation

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