Found 2 items, similar to zymogen.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: zymogen zymogen n : any of a group of compounds that are inactive precursors of enzymes and require some change (such as the hydrolysis of a fragment that masks an active enzyme) to become active [syn: proenzyme]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Zymogen Zymogen \Zym"o*gen\, n. [Zyme + -gen.] (Physiol. Chem.) A mother substance, or antecedent, of an enzyme or chemical ferment; -- applied to such substances as, not being themselves actual ferments, may by internal changes give rise to a ferment. [1913 Webster] The pancreas contains but little ready-made ferment, though there is present in it a body, zymogen, which gives birth to the ferment. --Foster. [1913 Webster]