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trypsin

Syllabification: (tryp·sin)

Pronunciation: /ˈtripsin/

Definition of trypsin

noun

Biochemistry

a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the small intestine. It is secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form, trypsinogen.

Derivatives

tryptic

Origin:

late 19th century: from Greek tripsis 'friction', from tribein 'to rub' (because it was first obtained by rubbing down the pancreas with glycerine), + -in¹