2 syllables: ki, nase. Stress on ki.
KEYE-nayz
/ˈkaɪˌneɪz/
kinase is pronounced KEYE-nayz (/ˈkaɪˌneɪz/). It has two syllables (ki-nase), with the stress on "ki". Kinase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups, typically from ATP to a target molecule, thereby regulating cellular processes. In biochemistry and cell biology, kinases are key mediators in signaling pathways, growth, and metabolism. The term broadly describes enzymes with a phosphotransferase activity essential for phosphorylation-based regulation.
Kinase is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate groups, typically from ATP to a target molecule, thereby regulating cellular processes. In biochemistry and cell biology, kinases are key mediators in signaling pathways, growth, and metabolism. The term broadly describes enzymes with a phosphotransferase activity essential for phosphorylation-based regulation.
- You may notice a tendency to soften the final /s/ into an /z/ sound in rapid speech. Ensure the final is crisp and voiceless by finishing with a sharp /s/ without voicing. - Another common error is misplacing the primary stress, sounding like ki-NASE. Remember: the first syllable carries stress. - Some speakers mishandle the /aɪ/ diphthong, producing a shorter vowel or an /eɪ/ quality. Practice maintaining the full /aɪ/ glide into /neɪs/. Actionable tips: exaggerate the diphthong slowly, then speed up while holding the final /s/ strongly. - When linking into the next word, avoid assimilating the /s/ into the next consonant; keep a brief audible boundary so it remains distinct.
"The kinase phosphorylates the protein, activating it for downstream signaling."
"A kinase cascade amplifies the signal through sequential phosphorylation steps."
"Scientists study kinase inhibitors as potential cancer therapies."
Pronounce as /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/. Start with a stressed first syllable that rhymes with 'high' and 'guy', then a clear /neɪs/ where /eɪ/ is the long A like in 'face' and the final s is crisp. You’ll articulate KI-nase with a strong initial stop, then a secondary onset glide into /naɪs/. IPA guides your mouth position: /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/. Audio reference: compare with ‘cyanine’ and ‘phosphatase’ for contrast, but keep the /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/ steady and concise.
Common errors include misplacing the stress (treating it as ki-NASE), truncating the final /s/ or turning it into /z/, and mispronouncing the diphthong /aɪ/ as a short vowel. Corrective tips: sustain the /ˈkaɪ/ with a strong, tense jaw for the diphthong, and end with a clean /s/. Also avoid adding an extra vowel between /kaɪ/ and /neɪs/. Practice the sequence KI-niase? No—KI-nase with a tight final s.
Across US, UK, and AU, kinases share /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/ with slight rhotics differences affecting the preceding vowel quality in connected speech, and non-rhotic tendencies can influence the perception of the /r/ in surrounding words rather than in kinases themselves. The main vowel /aɪ/ remains stable; the /neɪs/ segment is typically clear in all three. Accent variations mostly impact adjacent sounds in adjacent words and intonation rather than the core /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/ pronunciation.
The difficulty lies in the crisp diphthong /aɪ/ followed by the voiced-unvoiced boundary between /neɪ/ and /s/, which requires precise tongue movement and mouth positioning. Non-native speakers may mispronounce as /ˈkaɪ.neɪz/ (voiced final) or misplace the stress as /kaɪˈneɪs/. Focusing on a clean stop before /naɪs/ and maintaining a quick, unbroken transition helps. Practice with minimal pairs to stabilize the diphthong and final s.
Kinase uniquely compresses the two-syllable rhythm KI-nase, with primary stress on the first syllable and a distinct voiceless final /s/. Its phonetic profile is straightforward for trained speakers, but you must avoid inserting extra vowels or softening /s/ into /z/. The occasional medical literature reading may lead to slower pace; keep tempo steady and articulate each segment.
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- US: rhotic accent does not affect /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/; focus on crisp /n/ and final /s/. - UK: non-rhotic tendencies around surrounding words; keep the /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/ clean and avoid intrusive /r/ sounds in adjacent phrases. - AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowels; maintain /aɪ/ and /neɪ/ clarity. IPA reinforces: /ˈkaɪ.neɪs/ in all three; pay attention to vowel length and consonant crispness. - Common pitfalls include flapping or stopping the /ɪ/ into /i/; ensure the /aɪ/ remains a true diphthong, not a monophthong.
Kinase derives from the Greek prefix kin- meaning ‘move, set in motion’ combined with the suffix -ase, common to enzymes. The term emerges from early 20th-century biochemistry naming conventions for enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. Its precise classification as a kinase came with the identification of phosphotransferase activities—enzymes that transfer a phosphate group from ATP to a substrate. In the 1950s-60s, the discovery of protein kinases and their role in phosphorylation cascades solidified the word’s usage in molecular biology. The name is often followed by a substrate or signaling context, e.g., protein kinase A or tyrosine kinase, indicating the enzyme family and target specificity. Across decades, the term expanded from specialized lab jargon to a cornerstone in pharmacology, cancer biology, and metabolic regulation, reflecting the centrality of phosphorylation in cellular control systems.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "kinase" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "kinase"
-ase sounds
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