: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
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
As an extra precaution, many brands also add lactase to their product to make sure not even trace amounts of lactose remain.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lactase 
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
As an extra precaution, many brands also add lactase to their product to make sure not even trace amounts of lactose remain.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for lactase
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lactase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lactase
Cite this Entry
“Lactase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lactase. Accessed 5 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share