: 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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These compounds block an enzyme in your body called CYP3A4, which helps break down medications in your digestive system.
—
Zia Sherrell, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Fermentation, which uses yeast to break down the sugars in grape juice, transforming single-note sweetness into the complex, delicious alcohol enjoyed by so many, also unlocks those smoky compounds; so, too, can the enzymes in human saliva.
—Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The reaction temporarily inhibits stomach enzymes in the area from breaking down the drug, which gives the semaglutide enough time to be absorbed.
—Alice Park, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Further experiments revealed that the extracellular vesicles stopped senescence by using the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, which coats their surfaces and then causes a release of enzymes that block the effects of oxidative stress which unleash senescence.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 2026
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Zia Sherrell, Health, 5 Jan. 2026
Fermentation, which uses yeast to break down the sugars in grape juice, transforming single-note sweetness into the complex, delicious alcohol enjoyed by so many, also unlocks those smoky compounds; so, too, can the enzymes in human saliva.
—Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026
The reaction temporarily inhibits stomach enzymes in the area from breaking down the drug, which gives the semaglutide enough time to be absorbed.
—Alice Park, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Further experiments revealed that the extracellular vesicles stopped senescence by using the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, which coats their surfaces and then causes a release of enzymes that block the effects of oxidative stress which unleash senescence.
—New Atlas, 4 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 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
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