peptidase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “peptidase” mean?
An enzyme that breaks down proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds between amino acids.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that breaks down proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds between amino acids.
Any enzyme belonging to a large class (EC 3.4) that catalyzes the cleavage of peptide bonds in peptides and proteins. Extended usage can refer to enzymes used in industrial processes (e.g., food processing, detergents) or as therapeutic targets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, exclusive to scientific/medical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “peptidase” in a Sentence
[Peptidase] hydrolyzes/cleaves [peptide bond/protein].[Substance] acts as a [peptidase] inhibitor.The [activity/function] of the [peptidase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “peptidase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protein was peptidased by the enzyme extract.
- Researchers aim to peptidase the compound in vitro.
American English
- The protein was peptidased by the enzyme extract.
- The compound can be peptidased under these conditions.
adverb
British English
- The protein was cleaved peptidasely. (Highly contrived, rarely used)
- N/A
American English
- The protein was degraded peptidase-like. (Highly contrived, rarely used)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The peptidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically.
- We identified a new peptidase gene cluster.
American English
- The peptidase activity was measured spectrophotometrically.
- A novel peptidase function was characterized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in biotech/pharma business reports.
Academic
Common in biochemistry, molecular biology, medical, and pharmacology literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in lab reports, research papers, and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “peptidase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “peptidase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “peptidase”
- Mispronouncing as /piːptaɪdeɪz/.
- Using interchangeably with 'protease' without nuance (all peptidases are proteases, but not all proteases are peptidases).
- Misspelling as 'peptadase' or 'peptidease'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Protease' is a broader term for any enzyme that digests proteins. 'Peptidase' more specifically refers to enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds. In many contexts, they are used interchangeably, but 'peptidase' is the more precise biochemical term.
It is predominantly used in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine (especially in relation to digestion, disease mechanisms, and drug design), and biotechnology.
It would be highly unusual unless you are specifically discussing biochemistry. In everyday contexts, more general terms like 'digestive enzyme' or simply 'enzyme' would be used.
Common types include trypsin and chymotrypsin (serine peptidases), pepsin (an aspartic peptidase), and carboxypeptidase (an exopeptidase). These are often classified by their catalytic mechanism or site of action.
An enzyme that breaks down proteins by hydrolyzing peptide bonds between amino acids.
Peptidase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Peptidase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛptɪdeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛptəˌdeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PEPTIDE' (a chain of amino acids) + '-ASE' (a common suffix for enzymes). So, a 'peptidase' is an enzyme that works on peptides.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCISSORS/CUTTER (A peptidase is a molecular cutter that snips peptide chains.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a peptidase?