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 statement suggests that the patient’s liver enzymes were elevated, which often indicates damage to cells in the organ and is an issue that has been linked to some other obesity drugs. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025

Meanwhile, Herbivore relies on fruit enzymes to exfoliate while blue tansy calms redness. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025

Next-generation MCGs have the potential to elevate patient care by filling the gap between EKGs and biomarker tests (which measure cardiac enzyme levels and take hours for lab analysis), and costly and complex MRI, PET, CT and invasive angiography procedures. —Jack Hidary, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Higher liver enzymes could be a sign of liver damage. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 8 Apr. 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