Definition

A type of protein made by living organisms that helps speed up chemical reactions in the body.

Example

The enzyme in the digestive system helps break down food into nutrients.

Conversation

Did you know that our body uses enzymes to help digest food?

Really? I had no idea they played such a big role in digestion.

Yeah, they’re like little workers breaking everything down for us.

That’s fascinating! I should learn more about how enzymes function.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Enzyme → It is formed from the Greek "enzymon" (meaning leaven or ferment), which is derived from "en-" (meaning in) and "zyme" (meaning leaven or yeast). The word 'enzyme' refers to a substance that acts within a living organism to catalyze biochemical reactions, much like how yeast acts in fermentation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'in' ('en-') and 'yeast' ('zyme') working together to help processes happen inside living things — that's what enzymes do.

Visually Confused Words