Beta-lactamase Definition

bātə-lăktə-mās, -māz, bē-

noun

Any of various enzymes that are produced by certain bacteria, including most strains of staphylococci, and that hydrolyze and inactivate penicillin.

American Heritage

Any of various enzymes that hydrolyze and inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin, found in many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

American Heritage Medicine

(biochemistry) An enzyme produced by certain bacteria, responsible for their resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Beta-lactamase

Singular:

beta-lactamase

Plural:

beta-lactamases

beta-lactam cyclic amide occurring in penicillins (beta) (lact(one)) (am(ide)) –ase

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
beta-lactam +"Ž -ase

From Wiktionary

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