bromelain: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bromelain” mean?
A proteolytic enzyme derived from the pineapple plant, used in meat tenderizers and as a dietary supplement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proteolytic enzyme derived from the pineapple plant, used in meat tenderizers and as a dietary supplement.
The general term for any of several protein-digesting enzymes found in the tissues of plants in the Bromeliaceae family. Also used in medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The pronunciation may follow local patterns for stress.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both AmE and BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “bromelain” in a Sentence
Bromelain is used to [VERB]The [NOUN] contains bromelainBromelain, which [CLAUSE]Bromelain has [EFFECT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bromelain” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bromelain-rich core of the pineapple is often tougher.
American English
- Look for a supplement with bromelain-based enzymes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of health supplement manufacturing or food additive sales.
Academic
Used in biochemistry, pharmacology, and food science research papers.
Everyday
Very rare; might be encountered on supplement labels or in niche health discussions.
Technical
The primary domain. Used precisely to refer to the specific enzyme complex.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bromelain”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bromelain”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bromelain”
- Misspelling as 'bromeline' or 'bromelian'.
- Incorrectly capitalising it as a brand name (it's a common noun).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a bromelain' is incorrect; it's a mass noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes, in amounts found in food. Supplement doses should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to potential interactions with medications.
It digests proteins. This is why it tenderises meat (breaks down muscle protein), aids digestion, and may reduce inflammation by breaking down inflammatory compounds.
No. The heat from the canning process denatures (destroys) the enzyme. Fresh or frozen pineapple retains bromelain.
No. They are similar proteolytic enzymes, but papain comes from papaya. They have different chemical structures and slightly different properties.
A proteolytic enzyme derived from the pineapple plant, used in meat tenderizers and as a dietary supplement.
Bromelain is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bromelain: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊ.mɪ.leɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊ.mə.leɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BROmelain from the pineapPLE. It BROkes down MEAT proteins, so it's in MEAT tenderizers.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIGESTIVE SCISSORS (cutting protein chains).
Practice
Quiz
Bromelain is most closely associated with which plant?