Definition of "protease" [protease]

• Any of various enzymes, including the endopeptidases and exopeptidases, that catalyze the hydrolytic breakdown of proteins into peptides or amino 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.

• "Both Incivek and Victrelis are known as protease inhibitors, designed to block an enzyme that helps the hepatitis C virus replicate."
• "Both drugs are known as protease inhibitors, which are designed to block an enzyme that helps the hepatitis C virus replicate."
• "Kidney beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells."