Word
enzyme
Phoneticsen·zyme, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛnˌzaɪm/
UK/ˈɛnzaɪm/
Countable noun Biology
Definition
n. a natural substance in living things that helps chemical changes happen faster.
n. a macromolecular biological catalyst, usually a protein, that increases the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.
Examples
“Digestive enzymes help our bodies process food.”
“Her lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar.”
“Genetic engineering can alter an organism's ability to produce certain enzymes, with major implications for medicine and industry.”
Examples
simple
“Digestive enzymes help our bodies process food.”
contextual
“Her lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar.”
complex
“Genetic engineering can alter an organism's ability to produce certain enzymes, with major implications for medicine and industry.”
Usage
Often used with verbs like 'break down', 'catalyse', or 'produce'.
Teaching tip
While technically a scientific term, it is common in everyday discussions about health, digestion, and laundry detergents.
Real-World Examples
“The particular enzyme Alexander has studied for several years is methionyl-tRNA synthetase, or MetRS.” “Honeybees do not have this enzyme, which is why glyphosate was long considered unlikely to harm them.” Etymology
From German Enzym, coined 1878 by the German physiologist Wilhelm Kühne from Ancient Greek ἐν (en, “in”) + ζύμη (zúmē, “leaven”). By surface analysis, en- + zyme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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