Any enzyme (EC 4.1.1.x) that removes a molecule of carbon dioxide from a carboxylic group ( e.g., from an α-amino acid, converting it into an amine).
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de·car·box·yl·ase .dē-kär-'bäk-sə-.lās, -.lāz n any of a group of enzymes that accelerate decarboxylation esp. of amino acids
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de·car·box·y·lase (de″kahr-bokґsə-lās) a term used in the recommended names of enzymes of the sub-subclass carboxy-lyase [EC 4.1.1]; they catalyze the nonhydrolytic removal of carbon dioxide from carboxylic acids.Medical dictionary. 2011.