: 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
Fermentation produces postbiotics, which are beneficial compounds like enzymes that may further support digestion.
—
Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, leading to digestive symptoms when the body cannot break down milk sugar.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Due to this enzyme deficiency, GAGs accumulate to toxic levels throughout the body, resulting in progressive multi-organ disease.
—Nathan Grant, STAT, 14 Apr. 2026
About 20 percent of their wood-digesting enzyme activity happens in the hindgut, often with help from symbiotic microbes that break down cellulose.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enzyme
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Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 15 Apr. 2026
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase, leading to digestive symptoms when the body cannot break down milk sugar.
—Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 Apr. 2026
Due to this enzyme deficiency, GAGs accumulate to toxic levels throughout the body, resulting in progressive multi-organ disease.
—Nathan Grant, STAT, 14 Apr. 2026
About 20 percent of their wood-digesting enzyme activity happens in the hindgut, often with help from symbiotic microbes that break down cellulose.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enzyme
Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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