tyrosinase

noun

ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈrä-sə-ˌnās How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
tī-, 
-ˌnāz
: a copper-containing enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (such as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

Examples of tyrosinase 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.
All of these inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production, to even out your complexion. — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Aug. 2025 The acid also blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production that can become overactive due to the body’s inflammatory response during a shingles infection. — Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026 The final hero ingredient is 4-n-butylresorcinol , which is a Korean tyrosinase inhibitor. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 24 Sep. 2025 The Moringa Lip Salves have a blend of antioxidants, tyrosinase inhibitors, and African botanicals that hydrate, brighten and condition lips, according to a press release. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 Its primary action is reducing tyrosinase activity, the enzyme responsible for triggering melanin production. — Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrosinase was in 1896

Rhymes for tyrosinase

See All Rhymes for tyrosinase

Browse Nearby Words

tyronic
tyrosinase
tyrosine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tyrosinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrosinase. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

tyrosinase

noun
ty·​ros·​i·​nase tə-ˈräs-ə-ˌnās, tī-, -ˌnāz How to pronounce tyrosinase (audio)
: an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of phenols (as tyrosine) and is widespread in plants and animals

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrosinase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tyrosinase

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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