inhibitor

in·hib·i·tor also in·hib·it·er  (n-hb-tr)

n.

One that inhibits, as a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction.

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inhibitor [ɪnˈhɪbɪtə]

n

1. Also called inhibiter a person or thing that inhibits

2. (Chemistry) Also called anticatalyst a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction Compare catalyst

3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) Biochem

a.  a substance that inhibits the action of an enzyme

b.  a substance that inhibits a metabolic or physiological process a plant growth inhibitor

4. (Physics / General Physics) any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence

5. (Astronautics) an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

inhibitor - a substance that retards or stops an activity substance - a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties; "shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man" angiotensin II inhibitor - an agent that retards or restrains the action of angiotensin II antioxidant - substance that inhibits oxidation or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides anticatalyst - (chemistry) a substance that retards a chemical reaction or diminishes the activity of a catalyst moderator - any substance used to slow down neutrons in nuclear reactors activator - (biology) any agency bringing about activation; a molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme or a protein that increases the production of a gene product in DNA transcription