Langimage
English

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