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pepsin

An enzyme in the stomach that begins breaking down proteins.

PEP-sin noun

Word parts

peps digestion-in substance

What it means

The stomach releases an inactive form, pepsinogen, which stomach acid turns into pepsin. Along with acid, pepsin can damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus, as in ulcers and reflux.

At a glance

Spanishpepsina

Related terms

ulcer

An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.

dyspepsia

Discomfort or burning in the upper belly, often with fullness, bloating or nausea after eating.

digestive

Having to do with digestion, the breakdown of food into parts the body can absorb.

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