ptyalin Physiol. Chem.
(pt-, ˈtaɪəlɪn)
[f. Gr. πτύαλ-ον spittle, saliva + -in2.]
An amylolytic ferment in saliva, discovered by Leuchs, 1831.
| 1845 G. E. Day tr. Simon's Anim. Chem. I. 39 Ptyalin and pyin may be regarded as water-extracts of saliva and pus. 1872 Huxley Phys. vi. 141 The saliva..contains a small quantity of animal matter, called Ptyalin. 1907 A. Ravenhill Pract. Hygiene 188 The ptyalin (the active ferment in the saliva) of which the function is to convert insoluble starch into soluble sugar. |