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free radical
(redirected from Free radicals)

    Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.02 sec.
free radical
n.
An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
free radical
n
(Chemistry) an atom or group of atoms containing at least one unpaired electron and existing for a brief period of time before reacting to produce a stable molecule Sometimes shortened to radical Compare group [10]
free radical
An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.free radical - an atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron; in the body it is usually an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron and will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule; "in the body free radicals are high-energy particles that ricochet wildly and damage cells"
radical
atom - (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Tolman also notes that while the researchers provide proof that free radicals are present, "whether or not the free radicals are responsible for the toxicity is not clear.
Fish killer caught? Ephemeral Pfiesteria compound surfaces by Cunningham, A. / Science News
We knew that pollen can make the body make free radicals, but this study shows that pollen takes an active role in making free radicals itself," he says.
The radical theory of sneezing by Adler, Tina / Environmental Health Perspectives
You may have heard of free radicals in relationship to antioxidant vitamins and supplements.
The colors of vitality: antioxidants and phytonutrients in foods and ... by Ganora, Lisa / New Life Journal
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