enzyme
|en-zyme|
B2
/ˈɛnzaɪm/
biological catalyst
Etymology
Etymology Information
'enzyme' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'enzymos,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'zymē' meant 'leaven.'
Historical Evolution
'enzymos' transformed into the German word 'Enzym,' and eventually became the modern English word 'enzyme.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'in leaven,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a biological catalyst.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction in a living organism.
Enzymes in the stomach help break down food.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/22 15:18
