ribozyme

noun

ri·​bo·​zyme ˈrī-bə-ˌzīm How to pronounce ribozyme (audio)
: a molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme (as by catalyzing the cleavage of other RNA molecules)

Examples of ribozyme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The researchers then subjected the pool of ribozymes to a challenge. Quanta Magazine, 25 Aug. 2016 In a truly cooperative system, one ribozyme would speed up the replication of another. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2012

Word History

Etymology

ribonucleic acid + enzyme

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ribozyme was in 1982

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ribozyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ribozyme. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

ribozyme

noun
ri·​bo·​zyme ˈrī-bə-ˌzīm How to pronounce ribozyme (audio)
: a molecule of RNA that functions as an enzyme (as by catalyzing the cleavage of other RNA molecules)

More from Merriam-Webster on ribozyme

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!