neuraminidase

noun

neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌnu̇r-ə-ˈmi-nə-ˌdās 

ˌnyu̇r-,

-ˌdāz

: a hydrolytic enzyme that occurs on the surface of the pneumococcus, influenza-causing viruses, and some paramyxoviruses as an antigen and that splits mucoproteins by breaking a glucoside link

Examples of neuraminidase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This means that all three of these variants of flu are different versions of influenza A, all of which use protein components called hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

The Louisiana patient’s samples did not show any changes in the N1 neuraminidase section of the virus’s genome or other sections that could make the pathogen less susceptible to antiviral drugs. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 27 Dec. 2024

Flu viruses are classified based on two proteins that sit on the surface of the virus an H, or hemagglutinin, protein, and an N, or neuraminidase, protein. —Carma Hassan, CNN, 7 Sep. 2024

They are currently designated simply as H5 and not H5N1 because CDC labs are still working on typing the neuraminidase, the N number in the virus’ name, STAT’s Helen Branswell reports. —Brittany Trang, STAT, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

neuraminic acid, an amino acid + -ide + -ase

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neuraminidase

noun

neur·​amin·​i·​dase ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈmin-ə-ˌdās, -ˌdāz 

: a hydrolytic enzyme that occurs on the surface of the pneumococcus, the orthomyxoviruses, and some paramyxoviruses and that cleaves terminal acetylated neuraminic acids from sugar residues (as in glycoproteins and mucoproteins)