noun

amylase

AM-ih-layss

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Amylase (noun) means Amylase is a digestive enzyme, present in saliva and also produced by the pancreas, that breaks down starch into simpler sugars. Example: “Saliva contains amylase, which begins breaking down starch as soon as you start chewing.”

noun

biochemistry Amylase is a digestive enzyme, present in saliva and also produced by the pancreas, that breaks down starch into simpler sugars.

"Saliva contains amylase, which begins breaking down starch as soon as you start chewing."

"The pancreas releases amylase to help digest starchy foods in the gut."

How to use amylase

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAmylase is the enzyme in your saliva that helps break down starchy food.

When to use it

It is a scientific term used in biology and biochemistry rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Don't confuse amylase, the enzyme, with amylose, a component of starch; they sound alike but are different things.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

amylose

Common pairings

salivary amylase pancreatic amylase amylase enzyme break down starch with amylase

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “amylase” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Saliva contains _____, which begins breaking down starch as soon as you start chewing.

Etymology

Amylase is formed from the combining form amyl-, referring to starch, and the suffix -ase, used to name enzymes.

Origin: English

Rhymes for amylase

case base mase vase ease tase Jase erase cease phase pease chase

See all rhymes for amylase →

Frequently asked questions

What does amylase do?

Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down starch into simpler sugars such as glucose.

Where is amylase found in the body?

It is present in saliva and is also produced by the pancreas, which releases it into the gut.

Where does the word amylase come from?

It is built from amyl-, referring to starch, plus the enzyme-naming suffix -ase.

What is the meaning of amylase?

"amylase" (noun) means amylase is a digestive enzyme, present in saliva and also produced by the pancreas, that breaks down starch into simpler sugars.