1. to remove a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, typically in a chemical or biochemical reaction
Usage: technical; chemistry/biochemistry; third-person singular present tense of decarboxylate

Examples

• The enzyme decarboxylates the amino acid, releasing carbon dioxide.
• In this reaction, the compound decarboxylates under heat and pressure.
• The metabolic pathway decarboxylates pyruvate to form acetyl-CoA.
• Certain bacteria decarboxylate organic acids as part of their energy metabolism.
• The laboratory procedure decarboxylates the substrate in the presence of a catalyst.