reagent

[ ree-ey-juhnt ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a substance that, because of the reactions it causes, is used in analysis and synthesis.

reagent

/ riːˈeɪdʒənt /

noun

1. a substance for use in a chemical reaction, esp for use in chemical synthesis and analysis

reagent

/ rē-ā′jənt /

1. A substance participating in a chemical reaction, especially one used to detect, measure, or produce another substance.
2. Compare agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of reagent¹

1790–1800; re(act) + agent; act

Example Sentences

The startup says it could save pathology labs significant time and resources, as well as reduce labs’ footprint in toxic reagents.

From Los Angeles Times

They are identified by their distinctive granules that stain red when treated with an acidic reagent, eosin, which gave them their name.

From Science Daily

"Here we showed that we can spatially separate and recover nearly pure rare earth elements without complex, expensive reagents or time-consuming processes."

From Science Daily

It is called Murakami's reagent, which etches away carbon residue and changes the colour of steel in knife making, for example.

From Science Daily

"In addition, our system uses commercially available reagents that haven't been previously investigated for use in flow batteries."

From Science Daily