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: 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
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
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Phrases Containing enzyme
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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
: 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
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