: 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
Garcinia Cambogia prevents fat storage (lipogenesis) by inhibiting ATP citrate lyase, which is an enzyme that plays a role in this process.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Alcohol hinders the absorption of thiamine and interferes with the enzyme that converts it into a usable form in the body.19
Alcohol and Memory Loss
Alcohol has short- and long-term effects on your memory.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
Folic acid is found in many prenatal supplements, but folic acid has to be converted to folate in the body, and some people lack the enzyme to do this.
—Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024
Those enzymes can’t act as quickly in an acidic environment, and cooler temperatures also slow down their activity.
—Antara Sinha, Bon Appétit, 22 Feb. 2024
The drug inhibits enzymes that, among other things, aid in the production of mucus that lines and protects the stomach lining — so without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
An acid such as lemon or vinegar will slow down the enzyme making the vapors that lead to tears.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
The first was Amy, a diabetic mother whose A1C, cholesterol and liver enzymes have all reached normal levels since losing a significant amount of weight on Mounjaro.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024
Think zinc In addition to increasing the output of white blood cells, zinc plays an active role in bolstering the immune system by activating enzymes that break down proteins found in viruses and bacteria.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Alcohol hinders the absorption of thiamine and interferes with the enzyme that converts it into a usable form in the body.19
Alcohol and Memory Loss
Alcohol has short- and long-term effects on your memory.
—Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Mar. 2024
Folic acid is found in many prenatal supplements, but folic acid has to be converted to folate in the body, and some people lack the enzyme to do this.
—Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024
Those enzymes can’t act as quickly in an acidic environment, and cooler temperatures also slow down their activity.
—Antara Sinha, Bon Appétit, 22 Feb. 2024
The drug inhibits enzymes that, among other things, aid in the production of mucus that lines and protects the stomach lining — so without these enzymes, the stomach becomes vulnerable to irritation and damage.
—Melinda Wenner Moyer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2024
An acid such as lemon or vinegar will slow down the enzyme making the vapors that lead to tears.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024
The first was Amy, a diabetic mother whose A1C, cholesterol and liver enzymes have all reached normal levels since losing a significant amount of weight on Mounjaro.
—Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024
Think zinc In addition to increasing the output of white blood cells, zinc plays an active role in bolstering the immune system by activating enzymes that break down proteins found in viruses and bacteria.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enzyme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near enzyme
Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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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