penicillinase

n.
Any of various enzymes that are produced by certain bacteria, including most strains of staphylococci, and that hydrolyze and inactivate penicillin. They are used in medicine to treat allergic reactions to penicillin. Also called beta-lactamase.

(pĕn'ĭ-sĭl'ĭ-nās')
n.

1. Any of various enzymes, produced by certain bacteria, that hydrolyze and inactivate penicillin and are used in medicine to treat allergic reactions to penicillin. Also called beta-lactamase, cephalosporinase.
2. A purified enzyme preparation obtained from cultures of a strain of Bacillus cereus and formerly used to treat slowly developing or delayed penicillin reactions.

An enzyme produced by bacteria that inactivates penicillin, thus increasing resistance to the antibiotic; a purified form from Bacillus cereus is used in the treatment of reactions to penicillin.

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: enzyme produced by certain bacteria that inactivates penicillin and results in resistance to that antibiotic
  Synonym: beta-lactamase

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