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

Examples of enzyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most common mutations creates an overactive enzyme called LRRK2, according to a Stanford press release. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025

This is possible, Pfeffer explains, because the mutation is not the only way to end up with an overactive LRRK2 enzyme. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025

What is an enzyme? Enzymes are specialized proteins that speed up chemical reactions inside a living organism. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Most people need weekly treatments to encourage hair regrowth. JAK inhibitors: These prescription medications block specific enzymes (a type of protein) involved in the immune response. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025

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

Phrases Containing enzyme

• angiotensin converting enzyme
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
• restriction enzyme

Rhymes for enzyme

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime

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

ˌen-zə-ˈmat-ik

adjective

enzymatically

-ˈmat-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

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