ptyalin

n.
A form of amylase in the saliva of humans and some animals that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into maltose and dextrin.

[Greek ptualon, saliva (from ptūein, to spit) + -IN.]

An enzyme that digests carbohydrates (see amylase). It is present in mammalian saliva and is responsible for the initial stages of starch digestion.

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Obsolete name for salivary amylase.

n

A salivary enzyme that changes starch into sugars.