Bromelain is a term that is commonly used in the field of health and medicine. Many people may have heard of it, but not everyone knows what it is or what it means. This article will provide a comprehensive definition and meaning of bromelain, including its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Bromelain is a group of enzymes that are found in pineapple juice and in the stem of the pineapple plant. These enzymes are proteolytic, meaning that they break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
Origin
The word bromelain comes from the Latin word “bromelius,” which means “pineapple.” The enzyme was first discovered in the late 1800s by scientists studying the digestive properties of pineapples.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, bromelain is “a proteolytic enzyme derived especially from the stem of the pineapple that hydrolyzes proteins and is used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bromelain as “a mixture of proteolytic enzymes obtained from the pineapple plant, used as a meat tenderizer and in medicine to reduce inflammation.”
Associations
Bromelain is often associated with its anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, sinusitis, and digestive disorders. It is also used as a meat tenderizer in cooking.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bromelain include pineapple enzyme, pineapple extract, pineapple protease, and ananas comosus.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bromelain, as it is a specific enzyme with unique properties.
The same root words
Bromelain is derived from the Latin word “bromelius,” which means “pineapple.” Other words that share this root include bromelia (a type of tropical plant), bromeliad (a family of tropical plants), and bromine (a chemical element).
Example Sentences
- I take a bromelain supplement every day to help with my arthritis.
- The chef used bromelain to tenderize the meat before cooking it.
- Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help with sinusitis.
- Pineapple juice is a good source of bromelain.
- The doctor recommended bromelain supplements to help with my digestive issues.