Inactivated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inactivated
[ˈɪnæk.tɪ.veɪtɪd ]
Definitions
biological processes
Inactivated refers to the process of rendering a biological agent, such as a virus or bacteria, inactive or non-functional. This is often used in the context of vaccines, where pathogens are inactivated to ensure they cannot cause disease while still provoking an immune response. Inactivation can be achieved through various methods including heat, chemicals, or radiation. This technique is crucial in vaccine development and in studies of microbial functions.
Synonyms
deactivated, disabled, rendered inactive.
Examples of usage
- The flu vaccine contains inactivated viruses.
- Inactivated cells were used in the research study.
- The scientists inactivated the bacteria to test their immune response.
chemical processes
Inactivated can also describe the process of stopping or slowing down chemical reactions by removing catalysts or reactants. In various industrial applications, substances are inactivated to prevent unwanted reactions or to stabilize products. Controlling the activity of chemicals is essential in manufacturing and pharmacology.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The enzyme was inactivated during the experiment.
- Chemical reactions were inactivated to maintain safety.
- They inactivated the catalyst to halt the process.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In microbiology, some vaccines are made from inactivated viruses, which cannot cause disease but still help the body learn to fight them.
- In laboratory studies, researchers often inactivate enzymes to study cellular processes without interference.
- In genetic engineering, inactivating a gene can help scientists understand its function by observing what happens when it is not working.
Health and Medicine
- Inactivated vaccines, like the polio vaccine, are crucial for preventing diseases without risking an active infection.
- The process of inactivation can involve heat or chemical agents, ensuring pathogens are not harmful while still triggering an immune response.
- Understanding inactivation is key for developing therapies and medicines that are safe for human use.
Technology
- Inactivated software features can improve system performance by preventing unnecessary processes from running.
- In cybersecurity, inactivating certain protocols may be necessary to protect information from potential threats.
- In computer programming, inactivated code is parts of scripts that are written but not currently used, often indicated by comments.
Psychology
- Inactivation of certain neural pathways can affect how we respond to stimuli and behave in different situations.
- Some psychological therapies involve techniques that aim to deactivate negative thought patterns or behaviors.
- Understanding inactivation in the brain can also contribute to research on various mental health disorders.
Origin of 'inactivated'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'in-' suggests negation or opposition, while 'activate' means to make active.
- The term derives from scientific terminology used in biochemistry and molecular biology to describe processes where a substance becomes non-functional.
- Inactivated appeared in English text around the mid-20th century, primarily in medical and scientific contexts.
The word 'inactivated' is derived from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of', and 'activate', which stems from the Latin word 'activus' meaning 'active'. The term has evolved, particularly in the fields of biology and chemistry, to indicate a state where an agent or substance has lost its ability to act or function. The usage of 'inactivate' and its various forms began to gain prominence in the early to mid-20th century, particularly with advancements in vaccine technology. As vaccines became more integral to public health, the terminology surrounding their development, including the inactivation processes used to ensure their safety, became increasingly important. This etymological development reflects the broader scientific focus on controlling biological and chemical processes.