/am"euh lays', -layz'/ , n. Biochem.
1. any of a widely distributed class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of starch, glycogen, and related polysaccharides to oligosaccharides, maltose, or glucose.
2. any of several digestive enzymes that break down starches.
[ 1890-95; AMYL- + -ASE ]