What does elastase mean?
Elastase is a proteolytic enzyme — a protein-digesting catalyst — whose name reflects its best-known target, the elastic protein elastin. It belongs to a broader family of proteases and occurs in several forms in the human body. Pancreatic elastase is secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, where it helps break down dietary proteins; because it passes through the digestive tract largely intact, clinicians use fecal elastase measurements as a standard, non-invasive test for pancreatic insufficiency. A second important form, neutrophil elastase, is stored in white blood cells and released during inflammation to destroy bacteria and damaged tissue, though excessive release can contribute to conditions such as emphysema. The word appears almost exclusively in medical and biochemical writing, and its precise, technical character makes it a useful marker of clinical or scientific register rather than everyday speech.
nounA proteolytic enzyme that breaks down elastin and other proteins, found especially in the pancreas and in neutrophil granulocytes.
- A serine protease enzyme that hydrolyzes elastin and other proteins, produced chiefly by the pancreas and by neutrophils.
"The pathologist measured the levels of elastase in the patient's stool to assess pancreatic function."
"Neutrophil elastase released at sites of inflammation can damage healthy lung tissue."
"A low fecal elastase level is a reliable marker of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency."
Rarely pluralized; when referring to different types of elastase, writers often say 'forms of elastase' instead.
"Several distinct elastases have been identified in mammalian tissues."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elastase
Elastase was named in the early twentieth century after the substance it digests, combining 'elastic' — ultimately from Greek 'elaunein', meaning to drive or beat out — with the '-ase' suffix conventionally attached to enzymes. The term entered English through scientific literature as enzymology matured. It shares its root with related terms such as elastin, elasticity, and elastomer.
Related word forms
How elastase is actually used
A technical term used almost exclusively in biochemistry, medicine, and laboratory contexts; not part of everyday vocabulary.
Easily confused with elastase
Elastase is the enzyme that degrades elastin, which is the fibrous protein it acts upon.