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

The formula is powered by the digestive enzyme bromelain and paired with five herbs (ginger root, lemon balm, dandelion root, peppermint, and slippery elm) designed to improve digestion, prevent gas, and alleviate discomfort in just an hour. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 May 2025

One is a complex interplay of factors that includes a breakdown in the communication between the gut and the brain, while the other is due to a lack of a digestive enzyme. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

The treatment corrects an ultra-rare mutation in KJ that breaks a liver enzyme. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025

My doctors ignored high liver enzyme counts in my bloodwork, attributing it to extra weight and possible thyroid issues. —Health, 12 May 2025

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