Synonyms for

Enzyme

Verb / ˈeˌnzaɪm / Another word for enzyme — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

An enzyme is a type of protein that helps chemical reactions happen in the body.

Synonyms & similar words

catalyst ferment protein biochemical biocatalyst biological chemical catalytic digestive metabolic organic proteolytic enzymatic zymotic zymolytic zymogenic zymosan zymurgy zymase zymogen

Synonyms by register

Formal

catalyst biocatalyst ferment

Common collocations

  • enzyme activity
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • enzyme kinetics
  • enzyme substrate
  • enzyme digestion
  • enzyme action
  • enzyme structure

Word family

noun enzyme
adjective enzymatic

Usage note

Enzyme is a scientific term. While 'catalyst' can be a synonym in some contexts, 'enzyme' specifically refers to biological catalysts. There are no direct antonyms as it describes a specific biological function.

Example sentences

  1. Enzymes help break down the food we eat.
  2. The enzyme in my saliva starts to break down the food in my mouth.
  3. Enzymes are important for many chemical reactions in our body.
  4. Some people have trouble digesting food because they don't have enough of a certain enzyme.
  5. Scientists study enzymes to learn more about how our bodies work.

Quotes

  • Enzymes are the keys to the locks of life. - Roger Kornberg
  • Enzymes are highly specific and accelerate only a few reactions from among many possibilities. - Daniel E. Koshland Jr.
  • Enzymes are proteins that have evolved to speed up chemical reactions. - Paul Nurse

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