reactant

[ree-ak-tuhnt]

noun

1. a person or thing that reacts.

2. Also called interactant. Chemistry.,  any substance that undergoes a chemical change in a given reaction.

reactant

/ rɪˈæktənt /

noun

1. a substance that participates in a chemical reaction, esp a substance that is present at the start of the reaction Compare product

reactant

1. A substance participating in a chemical reaction, especially one present at the start of the reaction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactant¹

First recorded in 1925–30; react + -ant

Example Sentences

And, with the addition of some reactants, oxygen-containing molecules began to bubble out.

From BBC

To attain significant conversion of reactants, the reaction must be conducted at temperatures greater than 650 degrees Celsius, or 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Science Daily

The team used electrocatalysis, a type of chemical reaction initiated by electron transfers to and from reactants on surfaces of catalysts, to convert carbon dioxide into biocompatible intermediates, such as acetate and ethanol.

From Science Daily

This process involves destabilizing one of the aromatic rings in quinoline, using light and sometimes a catalyst, so that a reactant can 'latch' onto the ring, forming the target compound.

From Science Daily

Flows in liquid channels exhibit uneven velocity distribution due to friction with the walls, which subsequently influences the transport of dissolved substances and diffusing reactants in the liquid.

From Science Daily

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