inhibitor

Or in·hib·it·er

[in-hib-i-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that inhibits.

2. Chemistry.,  a substance that decreases the rate of or stops completely a chemical reaction.

3. any impurity in a mineral that prevents luminescence.

4. Rocketry.,  an inert antioxidant used with solid propellants to inhibit burning on certain surfaces.

inhibitor

/ ɪnˈhɪbɪtə /

noun

1. Also called: inhibiter. a person or thing that inhibits

2. Also called: anticatalyst. a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction Compare catalyst

3. biochem

   1. a substance that inhibits the action of an enzyme

   2. a substance that inhibits a metabolic or physiological process

      a plant growth inhibitor

4. any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence

5. an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces

Word History and Origins

Origin of inhibitor¹

First recorded in 1865–70; inhibit + -or ²

Example Sentences

Methanol helps prevent freezing and the accumulation of solid hydrates that can plug gas-compression equipment and limit pipeline flow, and it acts as a solvent and corrosion inhibitor.

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To determine whether inhibiting this structural reshaping could restore treatment response, the team tested two experimental OPA1 inhibitors.

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"In some human studies, the data suggest that the angiotensin receptor inhibitors may be more beneficial to cognitive health than other drugs that lower blood pressure," Dr. Iadecola said.

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This early signal suggests that a blood test could eventually help identify patients who are more likely to develop neuropathy, opening the door to preventive steps -- potentially including IRE1α inhibitors -- before nerve damage sets in.

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Drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors target PD1 and have already proven effective at reviving T cells in cancers such as melanoma.

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Related Words

• avoidance