esterase
noun
es·ter·ase
ˈe-stə-ˌrās 
-ˌrāz
: an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of esters
Examples of esterase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Detection of urinary leukocyte esterase, a nonspecific enzyme present in white blood cells, is also based upon a diazotization reaction embedded in urinary test strips.
—
Neil Gaffin, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
These tests detect signs of infection, such as leukocyte esterase (white blood cell matter in the urine) and nitrite in the urine.4
Home testing is never as accurate or effective as testing in a medical clinic or hospital.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025
Nothing else in nature pares cocaine down to its inactive components with the tenacity of cocaine esterase, and scientists have long hoped to harness the enzyme for therapeutic purposes.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2014
Cisplatin is released upon exposure to the antioxidant glutathione inside cells, camptothecin is freed upon exposure to cell enzymes called esterases, and doxorubicin's release is triggered by ultraviolet light exposure.
—Jeremy Hsu, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Apr. 2014
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Neil Gaffin, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
These tests detect signs of infection, such as leukocyte esterase (white blood cell matter in the urine) and nitrite in the urine.4
Home testing is never as accurate or effective as testing in a medical clinic or hospital.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025
Nothing else in nature pares cocaine down to its inactive components with the tenacity of cocaine esterase, and scientists have long hoped to harness the enzyme for therapeutic purposes.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2014
Cisplatin is released upon exposure to the antioxidant glutathione inside cells, camptothecin is freed upon exposure to cell enzymes called esterases, and doxorubicin's release is triggered by ultraviolet light exposure.
—Jeremy Hsu, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Apr. 2014
Cite this Entry
“Esterase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esterase. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
esterase
noun
es·ter·ase
ˈes-tə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz
: an enzyme that accelerates the hydrolysis or synthesis of esters
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