First Known Use: 1876
Dictionary
trypsin
noun tryp·sin \ˈtrip-sən\
Definition of TRYPSIN
: a proteolytic enzyme that is secreted in the pancreatic juice in the form of trypsinogen, is activated in the duodenum, and is most active in a slightly alkaline medium
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Origin of TRYPSIN
perhaps from Greek tryein to wear down + English pepsin; akin to Latin terere to rub — more at throw
Medical Dictionary
trypsin
noun tryp·sin \ˈtrip-sən\
Medical Definition of TRYPSIN
1
: a crystallizable proteolytic enzyme that differs from pepsin in several ways (as in being most active in a slightly alkaline medium and in hydrolyzing esters as well as amides) and that is produced and secreted in the pancreatic juice in the form of inactive trypsinogen and activated in the intestine—compare chymotrypsin
2
: a preparation from the pancreatic juice differing from pancreatin in containing principally proteolytic enzymes and used chiefly as a digestive and lytic agent
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