papain

[ puh-pey-in, -pahy-in ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial preparation of this used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestant.

papain

/ pəˈpeɪɪn; -ˈpaɪɪn /

noun

1. a proteolytic enzyme occurring in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya: used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as an aid to protein digestion

Word History and Origins

Origin of papain¹

First recorded in 1885–90; papa(ya) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of papain¹

C19: from papaya

Example Sentences

The doctor recommending this remedy suggested that the papain in meat tenderizer breaks down the venom in the sting.

From Seattle Times

A:A doctor first reported the benefits of papain, an enzyme from papaya fruit, for treating heartburn in The British Medical Journal on April 3, 1886.

From Seattle Times

And the smaller events, in many cases, produced genes associated with being carnivorous — like the ones that make papain, an enzyme in meat tenderizer.

From New York Times

The formula contains the fruit enzyme papain as well as zinc, both of which are intended to fight plaque.

From New York Times

The leaves of this papaw contain, in their abundant sap, a solvent, papain, which has the property of destroying the connective tissue in meats.

From Project Gutenberg