-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
: 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
Fiber consists of carbohydrates like cellulose and lignins that cannot be digested by the enzymes in a mammal’s gut.
—Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
But the precise identities of enzymes catalyzing the process — the proteins that snip off a branch here, or add a piece there — remained mysterious.
—Veronique Greenwood, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Unlike hyaluronic acid, which can be dissolved with a shot of enzyme, Renuva is not reversible, which underscores the importance of finding a vetted and experienced injector.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 9 Jan. 2025
To simulate the behavior of cytochrome P450, a family of enzymes largely responsible for drug metabolism and therefore how patients will respond to drugs, classical computers would require colossal amounts of computing power.
—Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for enzyme
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.
Word History
Phrases Containing enzyme
Dictionary Entries Near enzyme
Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
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
More from Merriam-Webster on enzyme
Nglish: Translation of enzyme for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of enzyme for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enzyme
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share