inhibitor
/in'hibitə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A substance or agent that slows down, prevents, or stops a chemical reaction, biological process, or other activity.
Examples of Usage
- The drug acts as an inhibitor, blocking the enzyme's function.
- Rust inhibitors are added to the paint to protect the metal.
- Fear can be a powerful inhibitor of creativity.
Advanced Usage
- Feedback inhibitor: In biochemistry, a product of a metabolic pathway that acts as an inhibitor of an enzyme involved in its own synthesis, regulating the process.
- Competitive inhibitor: A substance that reduces the activity of an enzyme by competing with the substrate for binding to the enzyme's active site.
- Corrosion inhibitor: A chemical compound that decreases the corrosion rate of a metal when added to a fluid or environment.
Variants and Related Words
- Inhibit (verb): To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action or process.
- Example: The cold weather inhibited the plant's growth.
- Inhibition (noun): The action of inhibiting or the state of being inhibited; a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act naturally.
- Example: The inhibition of the reaction was complete. / She felt a sense of inhibition in the formal setting.
- Inhibitory (adjective): Serving to inhibit; producing inhibition.
- Example: The neurotransmitter has an inhibitory effect on the neuron.
Synonyms
- Suppressor
- Restraint
- Blocking agent
- Retardant
Antonyms
- Catalyst
- Promoter
- Accelerator
- Stimulant
Related Phrases
- Enzyme inhibitor: A molecule that binds to an enzyme and decreases its activity, commonly used in medicines.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI): A class of drugs typically used as antidepressants, which work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
- ACE inhibitor: A pharmaceutical drug used primarily for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, which inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Noun
- a substance that retards or stops an activity