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free radical

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 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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The term free radical describes any molecule that differs from conventional molecules in that it possesses a free electron, a feature that makes it react with other molecules in highly destructive ways.
The role of free radicals in the aging process by Geria, Navin M. / Household & Personal Products Industry
Antioxidants are special compounds that are found in food that supply the missing electron to a free radical and deactivate them.
Learn About Super Foods, Acai Berries and Dietary Benefits by Jill Spencer / Health, general community
Taking supplements with antioxidants can suppress autism symptoms caused by free radical damage.
How Antioxidants Can Help Children with Autism by Mike McGrath / Food/cooking/nutrition community
 
 
 
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