# enzyme

/ˈɛnˌzaɪm/ (US) · /ˈɛnzaɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enzyme
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological catalyst

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a natural substance in living things that helps chemical changes happen faster.

For teachers: a macromolecular biological catalyst, usually a protein, that increases the rate of chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

- The enzymes in your stomach help you digest the food you eat for lunch.
- Specific enzymes are required to break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that the body can readily absorb.

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.

## 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.