: 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
And in the tip of each frond or leaf is an enzyme that can, like, heal skin infections.
—
AFAR Media, 30 May 2026
This releases enzymes that react with oxygen, causing discoloration along the edges or veins of the leaves.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
The acid also blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production that can become overactive due to the body’s inflammatory response during a shingles infection.
—Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026
In early January, Chan and five other quantum chemists based out of the California Institute of Technology reached a key milestone in understanding the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and makes life on our planet possible.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enzyme
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
AFAR Media, 30 May 2026
This releases enzymes that react with oxygen, causing discoloration along the edges or veins of the leaves.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
The acid also blocks tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production that can become overactive due to the body’s inflammatory response during a shingles infection.
—Alyssa Sparacino, Glamour, 29 May 2026
In early January, Chan and five other quantum chemists based out of the California Institute of Technology reached a key milestone in understanding the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and makes life on our planet possible.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 May 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 5 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
