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.
Freezing slows enzyme activity in foods but does not stop the activity.2 Blanching vegetables before freezing inactivates the enzymes and prevents deterioration. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024 The trick is that the cells are designed to produce the Cas9 enzyme in response to heat, and that heat is induced by the ultrasound. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 9 Dec. 2024 If your results show elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (one of the liver enzymes), your doctor may refer you to a hepatologist for further testing. Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024 Magnesium also helps the body make key enzymes that stimulate production of osteoblasts (new bone cells). Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 5 Dec. 2024 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

Cite this Entry

“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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

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