Metalloproteinase refers to a type of enzyme that helps in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, aiding in the growth and development of cells and tissues. Some important synonyms for the word metalloproteinase include matrix metalloproteinase, which describes a particular kind of enzyme found in the extracellular matrix, and the term collagenase, which refers to a subtype of metalloproteinase that specifically targets collagen. Other terms that can be used to refer to metalloproteinases include matrixins and gelatinases. All of these synonyms are useful in the fields of biology and medicine when discussing the role of this important class of enzymes in physiological and pathological processes.