INHIBITOR Meaning and
Definition
-
An inhibitor refers to a substance or factor that suppresses, obstructs, or slows down a particular process or activity. It is often employed in the context of biological or chemical systems where it acts upon enzymes, proteins, or other molecules, impeding or limiting their function. Inhibitors can disrupt the functioning of a biological pathway or the progression of a chemical reaction by either blocking the active site of an enzyme or by altering its structure so that it is incapable of binding to its substrate.
In the realm of biology, inhibitors play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including metabolism, cell signaling, and immune responses. They act as control mechanisms to prevent excessive or uncontrolled reactions, thus maintaining homeostasis within an organism. Additionally, pharmaceutical inhibitors are commonly used in medicine to hinder the activity of enzymes or receptors responsible for pathological conditions, such as cancer or inflammation.
In the field of chemistry, inhibitors can hamper chemical reactions by acting as antagonists, preventing reaction initiation or reducing reaction rates. They can be utilized to control the progress of reactions, enhance selectivity, or stabilize reactive intermediates. Chemical inhibitors find applications across numerous industries, such as in the production of drugs, pesticides, and polymer materials. By modulating reaction rates, inhibitors provide valuable tools for manipulating chemical systems and achieving desired outcomes.
-
1. An agent which restrains or retards physiological action. 2. A nerve, stimulation of which represses the activity of the part supplied by it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Top Common Misspellings for INHIBITOR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for INHIBITOR
Etymology of INHIBITOR
The word "inhibitor" is derived from the Latin word "inhibitor", which in turn comes from the noun "inhibitio" meaning "a restraining or holding back". The Latin root "inhibere" combines the prefix "in-" indicating negation or reversal, and "hibere" meaning "to have, hold, or keep". Therefore, an "inhibitor" is something that prevents or hinders an action, process, or function from occurring or proceeding.
Similar spelling words for INHIBITOR
- inhibition,
- inhabitant,
- invidia,
- invitatory,
- invidiously,
- inhibitory,
- inhibit,
- inhibiting,
- inhibited,
- invidious,
- inhabit.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
