regulatory

[ reg-yuh-luh-tawr-ee ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the control or direction of an activity by a set of rules, laws, etc.:

   The Coast Guard is to be commended for this current regulatory effort, as their proposed restriction addresses many concerns of the seafaring community.

2. of or relating to the adjustment of a device, system, or organic function so as to meet a standard or the requirements of good operation:

   Earth's climate is a highly complex system with its own regulatory mechanisms.

Other Words From

• an·ti·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective
• non·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective
• un·reg·u·la·to·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulatory¹

regulat(e) ( def ) + -ory ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Whether chloronitramide anion will be linked to any cancers or has other adverse health risks will be assessed in future work by academics and regulatory agencies, such as the U.S.

From Science Daily

Some of these regulatory sequences, called 'enhancers', work like dimmer switches used to modulate the light in our living room.

From Science Daily

Given what Smith and other prosecutors have described as the “unprecedented circumstances” of the defendant’s election, the regulatory prescription is an imperfect fit.

From Los Angeles Times

"Rather, the difference is on a regulatory level, which could make it easier for us in the long run to turn on more efficient C4 photosynthesis in C3 crops."

From Science Daily

These initiation sites contain regulatory elements and provide information to the cell about when and where to transcribe each gene to make protein, and how frequently to do so at any point in time.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• administrative
• managerial