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

In addition to containing cells that make digestive enzymes, the pancreas contains the cells that make insulin. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026

As for the liver, studies show that olive oil can reduce inflammation and fat around the liver, and lower elevated liver enzymes. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 July 2026

So the team fed AlphaFold versions of a target DNA sequence, along with a guide RNA, the Cas9 sequence, and an enzyme that chemically modifies bases and can stick to Cas9. — ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026

Yet there are big gaps in surveillance of key proteins and enzymes, for instance in parts of Nigeria. — Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

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