hydrolysate
Definition
Noun: A substance produced by a chemical process in which a compound is broken down into smaller parts through reaction with water. Specifically, it is the resulting mixture of compounds after hydrolysis.
Usage
A hydrolysate is the tangible product resulting from hydrolysis. It is typically a mixture of simpler molecules. The term is most commonly used in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry, biochemistry, and food science.
Examples
- The protein hydrolysate was analyzed to determine its amino acid content.
- This infant formula contains a casein hydrolysate for easier digestion.
- The researchers obtained a soy hydrolysate by treating the protein with an enzyme.
Advanced Usage
- Specification by Source: The term is often preceded by the source material (e.g., , , ). This specifies what was broken down.
- Degree of Hydrolysis: A hydrolysate can be characterized as or , indicating how extensively the original bonds were broken.
Variants and Related Words
- Hydrolysis (n): The chemical process itself that produces a hydrolysate.
- Hydrolyze (v): The verb meaning to break down a compound via hydrolysis.
- Hydrolytic (adj): Describing something related to or causing hydrolysis (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Digest (in a biochemical context)
- Breakdown product(s)
Notes on Meaning
The meaning of "hydrolysate" is precise and technical. It refers exclusively to the product mixture from hydrolysis. It is not a process or an agent.
Noun
-
a product of hydrolysis
