: 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
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The enzyme that converts the carotenoids from the birds’ diet into the red that is seen on feathers was likely not present.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
The parasite then feeds on the fish’s body fluids; to keep the juices flowing, the sea lamprey secrets an enzyme that prevents its host's blood from clotting.
—Paul A. Smith, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Dairy Products Birds don’t have the enzyme necessary to break down lactose that is in milk and other dairy products.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024
Trouble with lactose intolerance tends to begin in adulthood, when our bodies gradually makes less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
The parasite then feeds on the fish’s body fluids; to keep the juices flowing, the sea lamprey secrets an enzyme that prevents its host's blood from clotting.
—Paul A. Smith, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Dairy Products Birds don’t have the enzyme necessary to break down lactose that is in milk and other dairy products.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024
Trouble with lactose intolerance tends to begin in adulthood, when our bodies gradually makes less lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose.
—Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enzyme
Dictionary Entries Near enzyme
Cite this Entry
“Enzyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enzyme. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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