/broh"meuh leuhn, -layn'/ , n. Biochem.
an enzyme, found in pineapple, that breaks down protein and is used as a meat tenderizer. Cf. papain .
[ 1890-95; appar. bromel ( in ) an earlier name for the enzyme ( Bromel ( ia ) a genus that formerly included the pineapple (see BROMELIAD) + -IN 2 ) + (PAP)AIN ]