enzyme
word
Definition
A substance produced by living organisms that speeds up chemical reactions in the body, such as breaking down food or making new molecules.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly scientific and medical. Always countable: 'an enzyme', 'enzymes'. Common phrases: 'digestive enzyme', 'enzyme activity'. Do not confuse with 'hormone' (which sends signals, not speeds up reactions).
Spanish: enzimaPortuguese (BR): enzimaPortuguese (PT): enzimaChinese (Simplified): 酶Chinese (Traditional): 酵素 - 酶Hindi: एन्जाइमArabic: إنزيمBengali: এনজাইমRussian: ферментJapanese: 酵素Vietnamese: enzymeKorean: 효소Turkish: enzimUrdu: خامرہIndonesian: enzim
Example Sentences
A lack of a certain enzyme can cause disease.
basic
An enzyme helps your body break down food.
basic
Human cells produce many different enzymes.
basic
Many cleaning products use natural enzymes to remove stains.
natural
Digestive problems often happen when your body doesn't make enough enzymes.
natural
Lactase is the enzyme that helps people digest milk.
natural