verb
- to convert (a protein) into peptones or simpler protein compounds, especially through the action of enzymes or acid
Usage: chiefly biochemistry and food science
Examples
- The enzyme pepsin peptonizes proteins in the stomach during digestion.
- Manufacturers peptonize milk proteins to make them easier to digest.
- Heat and acid can peptonize collagen into gelatin.
- The laboratory peptonized the protein sample to analyze its breakdown products.
- Peptonized beef broth was once a common nutritional supplement for invalids.