酵 素(こうそ)

こうそ

noun

enzyme

See also: 控訴(こうそ) (appeal (court))

1. enzyme

A protein that acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. Also used in everyday contexts such as health products and cleaning detergents.

消化(しょうか)酵素(こうそ)が食(た)べ物(もの)を分解(ぶんかい)する。

Digestive enzymes break down food.

酵素(こうそ)入(い)りの洗剤(せんざい)は汚(よご)れがよく落(お)ちる。

Detergent with enzymes removes stains well.

酵素(こうそ)は温度(おんど)やpHによって働(はたら)きが大(おお)きく変(か)わるため、条件(じょうけん)の管理(かんり)が重要(じゅうよう)だ。

Because enzyme activity varies greatly with temperature and pH, controlling conditions is important.

酵素(こうそ) is a scientific term that has become widely known through health products and cleaning supplies marketed to consumers.

Common collocations

消化(しょうか)酵素(こうそ) (digestive enzyme)
酵素(こうそ)反応(はんのう) (enzyme reaction)
酵素(こうそ)ドリンク (enzyme drink — a health product)
酵素(こうそ)入(い)り (containing enzymes)

In Japan, 酵素(こうそ)ドリンク (enzyme drinks) and 酵素(こうそ)サプリ (enzyme supplements) are popular health products. The word is also commonly seen on packaging for enzyme-containing laundry detergents and cleaning products.

general

Added 2026.3.1 18:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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