1. An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of esters into alcohols and acids.
Usage: biochemistry; technical

Examples

• Esterase is found in many tissues and plays an important role in breaking down fatty compounds.
• The liver produces esterase enzymes that help metabolize certain medications.
• Researchers measured esterase activity to assess enzyme function in the blood sample.
• Esterase inhibitors are sometimes used in pesticides to increase their effectiveness.
• The esterase enzyme cleaves the ester bond, releasing the alcohol and carboxylic acid components.