any of various enzymes, found in body tissues and fluids, that hydrolyze phosphoric acid esters of organic compounds, liberating phosphate ions
Origin:
< phosphate + -ase
See phosphatase in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of numerous enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of esters of phosphoric acid and are important in the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and phospholipids and in the calcification of bone.