Inactivation: meaning, definitions and examples
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inactivation
[ ˌɪnˈæktɪˌveɪʃən ]
biological process
Inactivation refers to the process by which an active substance, such as an enzyme or a virus, loses its activity. This can occur due to various factors like changes in environmental conditions or interaction with other substances. Inactivation is crucial in various fields, including biochemistry and pharmacology.
Synonyms
deactivation, neutralization, suppression.
Examples of usage
- The inactivation of the virus was confirmed in the lab.
- Certain temperatures can lead to the inactivation of enzymes.
- The drug's effectiveness depends on the inactivation rate of the pathogen.
physics
Inactivation can also refer to the process of making something inactive or non-functional, particularly in the context of physical systems. This use is often seen in engineering or electronics where components may be deliberately inactivated to prevent operation.
Synonyms
decommissioning, disabling, shutdown.
Examples of usage
- The inactivation of the circuit was necessary for safe maintenance.
- Inactivation of the safety mechanism led to a temporary shutdown.
- The system underwent inactivation before the procedure began.
Translations
Translations of the word "inactivation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inativação
🇮🇳 निष्क्रियता
🇩🇪 Inaktivierung
🇮🇩 inaktivasi
🇺🇦 інактивація
🇵🇱 inaktywacja
🇯🇵 不活性化
🇫🇷 inactivation
🇪🇸 inactivación
🇹🇷 inaktivasyon
🇰🇷 비활성화
🇸🇦 تعطيل
🇨🇿 inaktivace
🇸🇰 inakcia
🇨🇳 失活
🇸🇮 inaktivacija
🇮🇸 óvirkni
🇰🇿 инактивация
🇬🇪 ინაქტივაცია
🇦🇿 inaktivasiya
🇲🇽 inactivación
Etymology
The term 'inactivation' is derived from the prefix 'in-', which originates from Latin meaning 'not' or 'into', combined with the root 'activate', from the Latin 'activare', meaning 'to make active'. The concept has been utilized in various scientific disciplines since the early 20th century, reflecting advances in our understanding of biological processes and physical systems. Its use has expanded with the growth of fields such as molecular biology and pharmacology, where understanding the inactivation of enzymes and pathogens has critical implications for health and disease management. Over time, the word has adapted to encompass not just biological contexts, but also physical and engineering-related situations, illustrating the interdisciplinary relevance of the term. Inactivation today is a key concept in molecular biology, medicine, and various engineering practices.