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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.
For one thing, studies show the liver enzymes that break down alcohol become less efficient. Maria Godoy, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025 Because resistant starch isn’t digested by our enzymes, gut microbes break it down instead, producing compounds like butyrate that support health. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 Your Digestion May Improve Kiwis contain an enzyme called actinidin, which helps break down proteins and supports better digestion, according to sports dietitian Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD. Danielle Zickl, Health, 5 Dec. 2025 Rahbar’s team used an enzyme that transforms carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 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

Cite this Entry

“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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