Inhibitor: meaning, definitions and examples

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inhibitor

[ ɪnˈhɪbɪtə ]

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chemistry

A substance that decreases or stops a particular chemical reaction.

Synonyms

antagonist, blocker, repressor

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.

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medicine

A substance that interferes with the physiological action of another substance, especially by combining with and blocking its receptor.

Synonyms

modulator, obstructor, suppressor

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

Word origin

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.