phosphatase

[ fos-fuh-teys, -teyz ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of several classes of esterases of varying specificity that catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphoric esters.

phosphatase

/ ˈfɒsfəˌteɪs; -ˌteɪz /

noun

1. any of a group of enzymes that catalyse the hydrolysis of organic phosphates

Word History and Origins

Origin of phosphatase¹

First recorded in 1910–15; phosphate + -ase

Example Sentences

What’s more, the wildflowers’ sticky hairs oozed phosphatase, a digestive enzyme that many carnivorous plants secrete to consume prey.

From Science News