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. Compare activator ( def 3 ).
4. Rocketry. an inert antioxidant used with solid propellants to inhibit burning on certain surfaces.

inhibitor

/ ɪnˈhɪbɪtə /

noun

1. Also calledinhibiter a person or thing that inhibits
2. Also calledanticatalyst 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

One idea is to locate binding sites on the DNAJB1 protein to which a drug inhibitor could bind.

From Science Daily

Abrocitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor drug that works to suppress inflammation, specifically pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that are involved in an overactive immune system.

From Science Daily

However, treatment with an enzyme inhibitor that prevents the activation of lipids can restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

From Science Daily

However, this mechanism can be rebalanced by treatment with an inhibitor that prevents the activation of these lipids in the brain.

From Science Daily

Pembrolizumab, a well-known PD-1 inhibitor, further enhances the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• avoidance