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

It is calling for newer diabetes medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors, which protect the heart and kidneys as well as lowering blood sugar levels, to become the first-choice treatment for all diabetes patients.

From BBC

PD-1 inhibitor therapy blocks this protein to help the immune system better find and attack cancer cells.

From Los Angeles Times

Food and Drug Administration is turning its attention to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressant drugs long criticized by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

From Los Angeles Times

Funding comes down to help the community game and that sometimes is an inhibitor to growth because you have to find a solution that compromises all these types of things.

From BBC

HHS is ordered to "assess the prevalence of and threat posed by the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and weight-loss drugs."

From Salon

Related Words

• avoidance