agonist

American  

[ag-uh-nist] / ˈæg ə nɪst /

noun

1. a person engaged in a contest, conflict, struggle, etc., especially the protagonist in a literary work.

2. a person who is torn by inner conflict.

3. Physiology. a contracting muscle whose action is opposed by another muscle.

4. Pharmacology. a chemical substance capable of activating a receptor to induce a full or partial pharmacological response.

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agonist British  

/ ˈæɡənɪst /

noun

1. any muscle that is opposed in action by another muscle Compare antagonist

2. a competitor, as in an agon

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agonist Scientific  

/ ăg′ə-nĭst /

1. A muscle that actively contracts to produce a desired movement.

2. A chemical substance, especially a drug, that can combine with a receptor on a cell to produce a physiologic response.

3. Compare antagonist

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Etymology

Origin of agonist

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin agōnista, from Greek agōnistḗs “contestant,” equivalent to agṓn agon + -istēs -ist

Example Sentences

Researchers combined survey responses about GLP-1 receptor agonist use with detailed purchase records from tens of thousands of US households.

From Science Daily

Dopamine receptor agonists have shown benefits in the past but often caused side effects because they affected large areas of the brain.

From Science Daily

This molecule activates key signaling pathways in a novel manner that benefits muscle function while avoiding the heart overstimulation typically associated with β2 agonists.

From Science Daily

Combining low doses of the drug tirzepatide, a "dual agonist" that works, in part, by activating GLP-1 receptors, with the hormone oxytocin results in weight loss without gastrointestinal side effects in obese rats.

From Science Daily

Commissioned by the World Health Organization, the reviews will contribute to upcoming WHO guidelines on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for treating obesity.

From Science Daily