enzyme

noun

en·​zyme ˈen-ˌzīm How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: 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

Etymology

German Enzym, from Middle Greek enzymos leavened, from Greek en- + zymē leaven — more at juice

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enzyme was in 1881

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 How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: 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
ˌen-zə-ˈmat-ik
adjective
enzymatically
-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

enzyme

noun
en·​zyme ˈen-ˌzīm How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: 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

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