Word
enzymatic
Phoneticsen·zy·mat·ic, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɛnzaɪˈmætɪk/
UK/ˌɛnzɪmˈætɪk/
Definition
adj. relating to enzymes, which are special proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in your body. You use this to describe processes that happen because of these helpers.
adj. relating to or caused by enzymes. Often used in biological or biochemical contexts to describe catalytic processes.
Examples
“The body uses enzymatic reactions to break down food.”
“The cleaning product relies on enzymatic action to break down tough stains and proteins on the carpet.”
“While some chemical reactions require high temperatures to proceed, enzymatic processes occur efficiently at the relatively low temperatures found within living organisms.”
Examples
simple
“The body uses enzymatic reactions to break down food.”
contextual
“The cleaning product relies on enzymatic action to break down tough stains and proteins on the carpet.”
complex
“While some chemical reactions require high temperatures to proceed, enzymatic processes occur efficiently at the relatively low temperatures found within living organisms.”
Real-World Examples
“Blocking NUDT5's enzymatic activity did not meaningfully change how cells responded to 6-TG.” “Scientists have long known that hydration influences protein folding, stability, molecular recognition and enzymatic activity.” Etymology
From enzyme + -atic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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