Reagent: meaning, definitions and examples

⚗️
Add to dictionary

reagent

 

[ riˈeɪdʒənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

A substance or compound that is added to a system in order to bring about a chemical reaction or test. Reagents are commonly used in laboratories for experiments and analysis.

Synonyms

chemical agent, reactant

Examples of usage

  • The scientist added the reagent to the solution to observe the color change.
  • After mixing the reagents together, a precipitate formed in the test tube.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

A substance used to detect the presence of another substance or organism in a biological sample. Reagents in biology are essential for various tests and assays.

Synonyms

biological indicator, testing agent

Examples of usage

  • The reagent reacted with the protein, indicating its presence in the sample.
  • The biologist used a reagent to test for the presence of glucose in the urine sample.

Translations

Translations of the word "reagent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reagente

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रियाशील पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Reagenz

🇮🇩 reagen

🇺🇦 реагент

🇵🇱 odczynnik

🇯🇵 試薬 (しやく)

🇫🇷 réactif

🇪🇸 reactivo

🇹🇷 reaktif madde

🇰🇷 시약 (試藥)

🇸🇦 كاشف كيميائي

🇨🇿 reagent

🇸🇰 reagent

🇨🇳 试剂 (shìjì)

🇸🇮 reagent

🇮🇸 hvarfefni

🇰🇿 реагент

🇬🇪 რეაგენტა

🇦🇿 reagent

🇲🇽 reactivo

Etymology

The word 'reagent' originated from the Latin word 'reagens', which means 'repelling'. In the field of chemistry, the term reagent has been used since the 18th century to refer to substances used in chemical reactions. Over time, its usage expanded to biology and other scientific disciplines where reagents play a crucial role in experiments and analysis.

See also: agency, agents, bioagent, counteragent.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,746 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.