First Known Use: circa 1844
Dictionary
pepsin
noun pep·sin \ˈpep-sən\
Definition of PEPSIN
1
: a protease of the stomach that breaks down most proteins to polypeptides
2
: a preparation containing pepsin that is obtained from the stomach especially of the hog and is used especially as a digestive aid
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Origin of PEPSIN
German, from Greek pepsis digestion, from pessein
PEPSIN Defined for Kids
pepsin
noun pep·sin \ˈpep-sən\
Definition of PEPSIN for Kids
: an enzyme that starts the digestion of proteins in the stomach
Medical Dictionary
pepsin
noun pep·sin \ˈpep-sən\
Medical Definition of PEPSIN
1
: a crystallizable protease that in an acid medium digests most proteins to polypeptides (as by dissolving coagulated egg albumin or causing casein to precipitate from skim milk), that is secreted by glands in the mucous membrane of the stomach of higher animals, and that in combination with dilute hydrochloric acid is the chief active principle of gastric juice
2
: a preparation containing pepsin obtained as a powder or scales from the stomach especially of the hog and used especially as a digestant
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