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: any of numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures
Examples of enzyme in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An enzyme from the robust bug can handle the thermal cycles of heating and cooling used in the process of copying DNA.
—Claire Turrell, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
The second will explore whether breaking down tiny blood clots with an enzyme called lumbrokinase can reduce symptoms in patients with long COVID or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2024
For patients with myositis, muscles are damaged by elevated levels of an enzyme called creatine kinase.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024
Practitioners use an enzyme called Hyaluronidase to break down and metabolize the HA and dissolve the filler that was injected.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2024
That’s because those born with PKU have inherited a gene mutation that prevents an enzyme called phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) from converting phenylalanine into stuff that your body can use.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024
This enzyme breaks down the lactose sugar into two smaller, digestible components.
—USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024
Brazelton in particular is on the hunt for the specific enzymes microbes use to turn hydrogen and small organic compounds into energy.
—Quanta Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024
The 2% salicylic acid concentration is combined with a formulation of papaya enzymes to clear, smooth, and brighten the skin, as well as glycerin and oat kernel extract to hydrate and support the skin barrier.
—Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enzyme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing enzyme
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Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
Kids Definition
enzyme
noun
en·zyme
ˈen-ˌzīm
: any of various complex proteins produced by living cells that bring about or speed up reactions (as in the digestion of food) without being permanently altered
enzymatic
adjective
ˌen-zə-ˈmat-ik
enzymatically
adverb
-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē
Medical Definition
enzyme
noun
en·zyme
ˈen-ˌzīm
: any of numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures
More from Merriam-Webster on enzyme
Nglish: Translation of enzyme for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of enzyme for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enzyme
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