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Reagent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reagent

[riˈeɪdʒənt ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reagent

Primarily used in scientific and laboratory settings to describe a substance used to cause a chemical reaction or to test for its presence.

  • Add the reagent to the solution and observe the color change.
  • The laboratory uses various reagents for its experiments.
reactant

Used in chemistry to describe substances that undergo change during a chemical reaction. This term is often found in textbooks and academic discussions about reaction dynamics.

  • Hydrogen and oxygen are reactants in the formation of water.
  • The reactants were mixed in the laboratory to study the reaction rate.
chemical agent

Refers to a substance that produces a chemical reaction, often in industrial or military contexts. It can also be used in a more general sense for describing substances with chemical effects.

  • The chemical agent was used to clean the industrial equipment.
  • Some chemical agents can be dangerous if not handled properly.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reagent

This word is commonly used in scientific and laboratory contexts where a substance is added to cause a chemical reaction.

  • The scientist added a reagent to the solution to observe the reaction
  • The test relies on a specific reagent to indicate the presence of glucose
testing agent

This expression is used broadly in contexts where a substance or tool is used to perform various tests or diagnostics.

  • The water was tested for contaminants using a special testing agent
  • The lab technician prepared a testing agent to check for the presence of metal ions in the sample
biological indicator

This term is used in environmental science and medicine to refer to organisms that signify the health of an environment or the effectiveness of sterilization processes.

  • Mosses are often used as biological indicators of air quality
  • Biological indicators were placed in the autoclave to ensure proper sterilization

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Reagents are crucial in laboratory experiments to prepare samples or detect certain chemicals.
  • Different types of reagents can cause color changes, allowing scientists to track reactions easily.
  • Enzymes are biological reagents that help speed up reactions in living organisms!

History

  • Famous chemists like Antoine Lavoisier laid groundwork for understanding reagents and their roles.
  • Historical methods of experimentation often relied on trial and error with various reagents, leading to modern chemistry.
  • The discovery of specific reagents revolutionized medical and industrial processes, such as the development of antibiotics.

Pop Culture

  • In the TV show 'Breaking Bad,' chemistry is at the center of the plot, showcasing reagents in drug production.
  • Reagents have made appearances in various science fiction films, often associated with dramatic transformations or explosions!
  • Popular science YouTube channels frequently use different reagents in experiments to demonstrate chemical reactions to viewers.

Education

  • Learning about reagents is fundamental in high school chemistry classes, helping students understand reactions.
  • Chemistry sets designed for kids often include simple reagents to facilitate safe and fun experiments.
  • Teachers emphasize the careful handling of reagents to ensure safety in science labs.

Origin of 'reagent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'reagent' comes from the Latin 'reagere,' meaning 'to act in response.'
  • It was first used in the 19th century as the field of chemistry developed and began to classify substances.
  • The term implies that these substances don't just sit there; they react with others!

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.