Inhibitor: meaning, definitions and examples
⛔️
inhibitor
[ ɪnˈhɪbɪtə ]
chemistry
A substance that decreases or stops a particular chemical reaction.
Synonyms
antagonist, blocker, repressor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
inhibitor |
Used in scientific or technical contexts, especially in biology, chemistry, and medicine, to describe a substance that slows down or prevents a particular process.
|
blocker |
More commonly used in everyday language and in some medical contexts to describe a substance that blocks or limits a particular function or action. Usually refers to a tangible barrier or preventive measure.
|
antagonist |
Used in pharmacology to describe a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another. It is also common in literature to describe a character who opposes the protagonist.
|
repressor |
Primarily used in genetics and molecular biology to describe a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, blocking the transcription of a gene.
|
Examples of usage
- The enzyme inhibitor slowed down the chemical reaction in the experiment.
- The drug acts as an inhibitor of the growth of cancer cells.
medicine
A substance that interferes with the physiological action of another substance, especially by combining with and blocking its receptor.
Synonyms
modulator, obstructor, suppressor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
inhibitor |
Used in scientific and medical contexts to describe a substance that slows down or prevents a particular chemical reaction or other processes.
|
Examples of usage
- The medication functions as an inhibitor of the neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.
- The inhibitor prevents the overstimulation of certain receptors in the body.
Translations
Translations of the word "inhibitor" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inibidor
🇮🇳 अवरोधक
🇩🇪 Hemmstoff
🇮🇩 penghambat
🇺🇦 інгібітор
🇵🇱 inhibitor
🇯🇵 阻害剤 (そがいざい)
🇫🇷 inhibiteur
🇪🇸 inhibidor
🇹🇷 inhibitör
🇰🇷 억제제 (eokjeje)
🇸🇦 مثبط (muthabbit)
🇨🇿 inhibitor
🇸🇰 inhibítor
🇨🇳 抑制剂 (yìzhìjì)
🇸🇮 inhibitor
🇮🇸 hemlar
🇰🇿 ингибитор
🇬🇪 ინჰიბიტორი (inh'ibitori)
🇦🇿 inhibitor
🇲🇽 inhibidor
Etymology
The word 'inhibitor' originates from the Latin word 'inhibere', which means 'to restrain'. The concept of inhibition has been prevalent in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and medicine. The term gained significance in the study of enzymes and chemical reactions, where inhibitors play a crucial role in regulating processes. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of substances that impede or restrict specific actions or reactions.
See also: inhibit, inhibition, inhibitory, uninhibited, uninhibitedly, uninhibitedness.