Definition of "lipase" []

• Any of a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats into glycerol and fatty acids. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Too much idle time decreases the production of lipoprotein lipase, or LPL, that's vital to healthy processing of fat."
• "Dr. Edward Korn (an old and dear friend at NIH) had established clearing factor as lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that hydrolyzed the triglycerides in chylomicrons, the principle form of fat circulating in the bloodstream."
• "The drug orlistat (also known as Xenical) and its over-the-counter smaller size (Alli) work by inhibiting the digestion of fat—specifically by blocking the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down dietary fats to prepare them for bile and absorption."