1. to convert (a protein or other substance) into peptones or simpler soluble compounds, especially through enzymatic action or digestion
Usage: technical; biochemistry; third person singular present tense

Examples

• The enzyme pepsin peptonizes proteins in the stomach during digestion.
• In the laboratory, the researcher peptonizes the protein sample to study its breakdown products.
• Pepsin peptonizes meat proteins into smaller, absorbable peptides.
• The digestive system peptonizes food to extract nutrients efficiently.