C1nounsciencehealth
US/ˈen.zaɪm/
UK/ˈen.zaɪm/
a substance made by living things that speeds up a chemical change, such as breaking down food
In context
Enzymes in your saliva begin to break down food as soon as you chew it.
Some people lack the enzyme needed to digest milk, so they are lactose intolerant.
Washing powders often contain enzymes that remove stains from clothes.
Words that go with enzyme
adjective + noun
- digestive enzymeA digestive enzyme in the stomach breaks down protein.
verb + noun
- produce an enzymeThe liver produces an enzyme that clears toxins.
- secrete enzymesGlands in the stomach secrete enzymes that break down protein.
noun + noun
- enzyme activityHigh temperatures can reduce enzyme activity.
- enzyme deficiencyAn enzyme deficiency can cause digestion problems.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
enzimCorrect: enzyme