Amylases

/ˈæmɪleɪsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of amylase; multiple enzymes that break down starch into simpler sugars in various organisms and biological processes.

Etymology

Plural form of amylase, made by adding the English plural suffix -s to the singular enzyme name. This straightforward pluralization helps distinguish between discussing one enzyme versus multiple types.

Kelly Says

Different organisms produce different amylases optimized for their environment—bacteria in hot springs make heat-resistant amylases, while human saliva makes mild ones perfect for mouth temperature, showing how evolution fine-tunes the same basic enzyme for different niches.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.