enzyme

noun

en·​zyme ˈen-ˌzīm How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The next steps, the team indicates, will include recording the process in 3D with fluorescent tags attached to other chemicals and enzymes. — ArsTechnica, 4 Apr. 2025 These products usually contain many of the same ingredients, such as nitrogen, beneficial microbes, and enzymes, and their names are often used interchangeably. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Apr. 2025 In layman’s terms, this means that DEB uses plant sugars and natural enzymes to create biobased materials (such as biopolymers) in eco-friendly conditions. — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Apr. 2025 Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract, pineapple and papaya enzymes, blue tansy oil Size: 2.02 fl. — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enzyme

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enzyme was in 1881

Phrases Containing enzyme

Rhymes for enzyme

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Browse Nearby Words

enzymatic
enzyme
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
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Cite this Entry

“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

enzyme

noun
en·​zyme ˈen-ˌzīm How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce enzyme (audio)
: any of numerous complex proteins that are produced by living cells and catalyze specific biochemical reactions at body temperatures

More from Merriam-Webster on enzyme

Nglish: Translation of enzyme for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enzyme

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