an enzyme that is involved in the formation and repair of telomeres, so that chromosomes are not shortened during cell division
telomerase in American English
(tɛˈlɑməˌreɪz; tɛˈlɑməˌreɪs)
noun
an enzyme found in cancer cells that protects or repairs the cells' telomeres, allowing the cells to reproduce indefinitely: used in medical research to extend the life of noncancerous cells