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 cream was soft-launched in May, followed by Liquid Lift, while the enzyme cleanser is set to launch in October. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

The analysis followed 82 patients, including both people new to enzyme replacement therapy and those who had been treated with an enzyme replacement therapy prior to joining this study. — Anna Rodin, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

In the second case, a biologist at the University of Copenhagen has questioned Anthropic’s claim that its Claude AI bot had discovered a new enzyme. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The American Cleaning Institute says newer detergent enzymes work well in cold water. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 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