papain

noun

1. Biochemistry. a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya.
2. Pharmacology. a commercial preparation of this used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as a digestant.

noun

1. a proteolytic enzyme occurring in the unripe fruit of the papaya tree, Carica papaya: used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine as an aid to protein digestion

n.

1. An enzyme, or a crude extract containing it, that digests protein, catalyzes the hydrolysis or transfer of esters, amides, or other chemical groups containing sulfur, and is used as a digestive aid.