hydrase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hydrase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the addition or removal of water (H2O) to or from a substrate without splitting the substrate into smaller molecules.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the addition or removal of water (H2O) to or from a substrate without splitting the substrate into smaller molecules.
A type of enzyme involved in dehydration or hydration reactions; used primarily in biochemical and enzymatic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. It is a standardized scientific term.
Connotations
None beyond the precise biochemical definition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to technical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “hydrase” in a Sentence
The hydrase catalyzes the reaction.X acts as a hydrase.Hydrase activity was measured.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialized biochemistry and life sciences papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use; found in research articles, enzyme nomenclature, and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hydrase”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hydrase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hydrase”
- Mispronouncing it as /haɪˈdrɑːz/ or /ˈhɪdreɪz/.
- Confusing it with 'hydrolase'.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
- Misspelling as 'hydraze'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, highly technical term used almost exclusively in biochemistry.
A hydrase catalyzes the addition or removal of water (H2O) to/from a double bond, often reversibly. A hydrolase uses water to break (hydrolyze) a chemical bond, splitting a molecule into two parts.
Yes, carbonic anhydrase is a well-known hydrase that rapidly interconverts carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid (hydration) and vice versa (dehydration).
No, unless you are studying biochemistry or a related life science. It is not needed for general communication.
An enzyme that catalyzes the addition or removal of water (H2O) to or from a substrate without splitting the substrate into smaller molecules.
Hydrase is usually technical / scientific in register.
Hydrase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪdreɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪdreɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HYDRAtion enzyme' = HYDRASE. It manages water (H2O) in a reaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL or MACHINE that carefully attaches or detaches a water molecule.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'hydrase' primarily used?