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Definition of ptyalin in English:

ptyalin

Translate ptyalin into Spanish

noun

Biochemistry

  • A form of amylase found in the saliva of humans and some other animals.

    ‘It begins in the mouth where the enzyme ptyalin, present in saliva, begins to break down starch in food to sugars.’
    • ‘The saliva of carnivora contains no ptyalin and cannot predigest starches; that of vegetarian animals contains ptyalin for the predigestion of starches.’

Pronunciation

ptyalin

/ˈtīələn/ /ˈtaɪələn/

Origin

Mid 19th century from Greek ptualon ‘spittle’+ -in.