trypsin
|tryp-sin|
/ˈtraɪpsɪn/
protein‑breaking enzyme
Etymology
'trypsin' originates from Modern Latin/New Latin and Greek, specifically the Greek word 'τρυψίνη' (trupsínē), where the root 'τρυψ-/τρύω' meant 'to rub' or 'to wear away' (implying breaking down).
'trypsin' was adopted into scientific New Latin/terminology from Greek 'τρυψίνη' in the 19th century (the name was introduced in modern biochemical literature, attributed to Wilhelm Kühne), and it entered English usage in the late 19th century as 'trypsin'.
Initially named with reference to a 'rubbing' or 'wearing away' action (i.e., breaking down substances), the term came to be used specifically for the pancreatic enzyme that digests proteins (cleaves peptide bonds).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a proteolytic (protein‑digesting) enzyme produced by the pancreas (active form) that cleaves peptide bonds in proteins, especially in the small intestine; commonly used in laboratory settings to digest proteins or detach cultured cells. The inactive precursor is trypsinogen.
Trypsin is commonly used in laboratories to detach adherent cells from culture vessels.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/26 18:21