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

Postbiotics are short chain fatty acids, enzymes and cell wall parts. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Ferreira found that peptides in the venom powerfully inhibited an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure. — Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026

The roots of this vine, which can grow a hundred feet in length, contain a specific enzyme inhibitor necessary to stop our digestive process from attacking the DMT. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 July 2026

What allows many people to digest dairy products is a chainlike enzyme called lactase, which is produced in the small intestine and fits together like a puzzle piece with the complex sugar in milk called lactose. — Quanta Magazine, 15 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