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.
The Fly Faster Tee uses heavyweight cotton jersey with a faded finish, while the Patch Tee receives a heavy enzyme wash. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Currently, doctors often treat postmenopausal women with ER+ tumors with inhibitors of a different enzyme. — Allessandra Dicorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 The first step of glycolysis, the chain of reactions cells use to pull energy out of sugar, uses an enzyme that recognizes only that form. — Mallory Green, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Matluck said people have different levels of the enzymes needed to process certain foods, and some lack specific enzymes altogether. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing enzyme

Rhymes for enzyme

See All Rhymes for enzyme

Browse Nearby Words

enzymatic
enzyme
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about enzyme

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