lipase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “lipase” mean?
An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats (lipids). They are crucial in digestion, metabolism, and cell signaling. Specific types include pancreatic lipase, hepatic lipase, and lipoprotein lipase.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or pronunciation. The term is international scientific vocabulary.
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialized fields.
Grammar
How to Use “lipase” in a Sentence
Lipase breaks down XX is digested by lipaseAn increase in lipaseA deficiency of lipaseThe lipase from [source]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts related to biotechnology, pharmaceutical development (e.g., 'The company specializes in producing industrial lipases for detergents.').
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, biochemistry, medicine, and nutrition textbooks and research (e.g., 'Lipase activity was measured in the homogenate.').
Everyday
Very rare. Only in specific health discussions (e.g., 'The doctor said my lipase levels were high, indicating a problem with my pancreas.').
Technical
Core context. Used in laboratory reports, medical diagnostics, scientific papers, and industrial processes (e.g., 'The protocol calls for 0.5 units of thermostable lipase.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lipase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lipase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lipase”
- Misspelling as 'lipaze' or 'lipace'.
- Mispronunciation in American English as /lɪˈpeɪz/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using it as a general term for any digestive enzyme instead of specifically fat-digesting.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, lipases are produced by many organisms including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. They are also used in industrial applications like food processing and detergents.
Lipase breaks down fats (lipids), while amylase breaks down carbohydrates (starches and sugars). Both are digestive enzymes.
Yes, lipase is a common component in digestive enzyme supplements, often taken to help people with conditions like pancreatic insufficiency digest fats more effectively.
To check for conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, or to investigate causes of abdominal pain, malabsorption, or other digestive issues.
An enzyme that breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Lipase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪpeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪpeɪs/ /ˈlɪpeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LIP' (fat) + '-ASE' (common ending for enzymes). So, lipase is the enzyme for lips (fats).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SCISSORS/CUTTER FOR FAT: Lipase is conceptualized as a molecular tool that cuts apart fat molecules.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'lipase' MOST likely to be used correctly?