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superoxide dismutase

noun
superoxide dis·​mut·​ase | \ -dis-ˈmyü-ˌtās How to pronounce superoxide dismutase (audio) , -ˌtāz\

Definition of superoxide dismutase

: a metal-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces harmful free radicals of oxygen formed during normal metabolic cell processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide

Examples of superoxide dismutase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Dogs with two copies of a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are at risk for the disease, but not all dogs with the mutation will develop the disease. — Kim Campbell Thornton, sacbee, "Tests suggest new hope for dogs with a common disease | The Sacramento Bee," 10 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'superoxide dismutase.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of superoxide dismutase

1969, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for superoxide dismutase

dismutation (simultaneous oxidation and reduction) + -ase

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More Definitions for superoxide dismutase

superoxide dismutase

noun
superoxide dis·​mu·​tase | \ -ˈdis-myü-ˌtās How to pronounce superoxide dismutase (audio) \

Medical Definition of superoxide dismutase

: a metal-containing antioxidant enzyme that reduces potentially harmful free radicals of oxygen formed during normal metabolic cell processes to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide —abbreviation SOD

More from Merriam-Webster on superoxide dismutase

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about superoxide dismutase

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