: 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
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The classic green kiwi also contains an enzyme, actinidin, that helps the body digest protein, which could also assist in softening high-protein foods in the gut.
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New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
Finally, many detergents don't clean effectively in very cold water—you're really looking for closer to room temperature to activate those stain-removing enzymes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Chromophoric proof concept The team harnessed enzymes to generate acetyllysine inside cells, then incorporated it into proteins at specific sites.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Some studies suggest these peptides can help block angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to rise.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
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New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
Finally, many detergents don't clean effectively in very cold water—you're really looking for closer to room temperature to activate those stain-removing enzymes.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Chromophoric proof concept The team harnessed enzymes to generate acetyllysine inside cells, then incorporated it into proteins at specific sites.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Some studies suggest these peptides can help block angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to rise.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enzyme
Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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
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