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enzima means enzyme — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 25, 2026

🩺 Medical Spanish

enzima

noun • /[en-SEE-ma]/

enzyme

Example:

La enzima ayuda en la digestión.

The enzyme helps in digestion.

🧠 What does enzima mean?

An enzima is a biological catalyst, typically a protein, that accelerates specific biochemical reactions within living organisms. Enzymes are essential for metabolism, digestion, muscle contraction, and many other vital bodily functions. They work by binding to specific molecules, known as substrates, and facilitating their conversion into products. The action of an enzyme is highly specific, meaning that each enzyme usually catalyzes only one or a small number of related reactions.

📚 Extra examples

  • La digestión de los carbohidratos comienza con la acción de una enzima en la saliva.
    The digestion of carbohydrates begins with the action of an enzyme in saliva.
  • Los médicos investigan las deficiencias de ciertas enzimas como causa de enfermedades genéticas.
    Doctors investigate deficiencies of certain enzymes as a cause of genetic diseases.
  • La enzima lactasa es necesaria para descomponer la lactosa en el cuerpo.
    The enzyme lactase is necessary to break down lactose in the body.
  • Los científicos estudian el papel de esta enzima en la replicación del ADN.
    Scientists are studying the role of this enzyme in DNA replication.

💡 Did You Know?

Enzymes are so crucial that without them, biological reactions would occur too slowly to sustain life. For instance, the enzyme carbonic anhydrase can convert millions of molecules of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid every second.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "enzima"

Synonyms: fermento

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'enzyme' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'enzyme' is 'enzima'.
How do you pronounce 'enzima' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'enzima' is roughly en-SEE-mah. The 'z' sound is similar to the 's' in 'see', and the 'i' is a short 'ee' sound, like in 'machine'.
How do you use 'enzima' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: 'La falta de esta enzima puede causar problemas de salud.' (The lack of this enzyme can cause health problems.)
What is the English translation of 'enzima'?
The English translation of 'enzima' is 'enzyme'.
Does 'enzima' change for gender or number?
No, 'enzima' is a feminine noun and does not change for gender. It is singular by default. The plural form is 'enzimas'.
Is 'enzima' common in everyday Spanish?
'Enzima' is a technical term and is more commonly encountered in scientific, medical, or biological contexts. While not a word used in casual daily conversation by everyone, it is a fundamental term in fields related to health and science.
Does 'enzima' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'enzima' does not typically have slang or double meanings. It is a precise scientific term.
Is 'enzima' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the term 'enzima' and its usage are consistent across Spain and Latin America. It is a standard scientific and medical term.

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