retardent

Thân thiện

Definition

Noun A substance or agent that slows down a process, reaction, or the rate of something. It acts as a hindrance or cause of delay.

Usage and Examples

A retardent is specifically an agent that causes retardation (slowing) of a physical or chemical process. * Adding a chemical retardent to the concrete mix slows its setting time, giving workers more time to pour and shape it. * The primary function of a flame retardent is to delay the ignition and spread of fire on treated materials.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is most commonly encountered in technical, industrial, and scientific contexts (e.g., chemistry, materials science, manufacturing).
• Important Distinction: While "retardent" is the general noun for any slowing agent, the adjectival form retardant (as in ) is far more frequent in modern English. In many contexts, "retardant" is also used as a noun (e.g., "Apply the fire retardant").

Variants and Related Words

• Retardant (adj. & n.): The much more common variant. As an adjective, it describes something that retards (e.g., ). As a noun, it is often synonymous with "retardent."
• Retardation (n.): The act or process of retarding; the state of being delayed.
• Retard (v.): To delay or slow the progress, development, or speed of something.

Synonyms

• Inhibitor
• Delay agent
• Hindrance
• Obstacle (in a broader, non-technical sense)

Antonyms

• Accelerant
• Catalyst (specifically one that speeds a reaction)
• Promoter

Học thuật

Noun

1. any agent that retards or delays or hinders
   • flame-retardant

Từ đồng nghĩa

• retardant
• retardation