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

Liver enzymes, for example, slow down and hydration levels change, too. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice Grapefruit and grapefruit juice affect enzymes in the liver that are part of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system, which help process estrogen. —Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 11 Jan. 2026

This gentle exfoliating cleanser combines fruit enzymes and AHAs to smooth texture and brighten skin without over-drying. —Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026

Using ancestral sequence reconstruction, which reconstructs ancient proteins from modern genetic data, the team resurrected cannabinoid-producing enzymes from early cannabis ancestors. —New Atlas, 10 Jan. 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