proteases

Hydrolase \Hy"dro*lase\, n. [Hydrolysis + -ase.]
   1. (Chem.) an enzyme which causes the splitting of a chemical
      bond with the addition of the elements of water; a
      hydrolytic enzyme. Formerly called a {hydrolytic ferment}.

   Note: There are many known hydrolases, including nearly all
         of the digestive enzymes. Among the hydrolases are the
         {esterases}, which split ester bonds and {amidases},
         which split amide bonds, and among the latter are the
         {proteases} and {peptidases}, which split peptide
         bonds, such as those found in proteins.
         [PJC]