ENGLISH
REFERENCE

enzymes

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɛnˌzaɪmz// UK //ˈɛnzaɪmz// en·zymes

n. natural substances in your body that help speed up chemical processes, such as breaking down the food you eat.

n. proteins that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions within living organisms without being consumed in the process.


SIMPLE

Your stomach uses enzymes to digest your dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

The laundry detergent contains specific enzymes designed to break down protein-based stains like grass or blood.

COMPLEX

Inhibitors can bind to enzymes to prevent them from functioning, a mechanism frequently exploited in the development of pharmaceutical drugs to treat various diseases.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural when referring to the general class of molecules or a specific group of them.

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