protease inhibitor

noun

: a substance that inhibits the action of a protease
specifically : any of various drugs (such as indinavir) that inhibit the action of the protease of HIV so that the cleavage of viral proteins into mature functional infectious particles is prevented and that are used especially in combination with other agents in the treatment of HIV infection

Examples of protease inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indeed, that is what happened with the introduction of protease inhibitors that extended lives dramatically. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026 In 1999, a French study first confirmed that hair loss was a side effect of men using the protease inhibitor Crixivan (indinavir). — Emily Rekstis, Allure, 26 Oct. 2022 Other ideas for treatments include using protease inhibitors to kill the virus, or stopping it from binding to the ACE2 receptors on human cells. — Michele Cohen Marill, WIRED, 28 Apr. 2020 The gene’s technical name, epididymal protease inhibitor, is usually shortened to the friendlier EPPIN. — Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for protease inhibitor

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protease inhibitor was in 1943

Rhymes for protease inhibitor

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Browse Nearby Words

protease
protease inhibitor
protea veld
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Cite this Entry

“Protease inhibitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protease%20inhibitor. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

protease inhibitor

noun
: a substance that inhibits the action of a protease
specifically : any of various drugs (as indinavir or saquinavir) that inhibit the action of HIV protease so that cleavage of viral proteins into mature infectious particles is prevented and that are used especially in combination with other antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV infection

More from Merriam-Webster on protease inhibitor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about protease inhibitor

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