It comes from the suffix "-ase", which is added to the name of the substance upon which an enzyme acts. For example:
* Lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugar)
* Protease breaks down proteins
* Lipase breaks down lipids (fats)
However, "ase" can also have other meanings depending on the context, like:
* Case: referring to a situation or instance (e.g., "in this case")
* Base: referring to a foundation or starting point (e.g., "the base of the mountain")
If you can provide more context about where you encountered the word "ase," I might be able to give you a more specific answer.