perturbantn.adj.
/pəˈtəːb(ə)nt/, U.S. /pərˈtərbənt/ Chiefly Science.† B. adj.
A. n.
A perturbing agent. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > confusion or disorder > commotion, disturbance, or disorder > [noun] > one who or that which causes
make-a-do1590
perturbant1875
1875 A. Newton in Encycl. Brit. III. 764/2 The matter [sc. the appearance of vagrants]..is open to the influence of many perturbants.
1970 Biochemistry 9 2802/1 We have adopted an approach to the elucidation of lyotropic mechanism in which the effects of related perturbants on a standard collagen–buffer system have been compared.
1999 Proc. National Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96 7888/1 Pressure is an ideal perturbant for folding equilibria in that it gives valuable thermodynamic information without the need of altering the chemical composition of the solution.
= perturbative adj. Obsolete. rare.Apparently only attested in dictionaries or glossaries.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > unruliness > disorder or riot > [adjective] > causing
perturbative1490
perturbant1890
1890 Cent. Dict. Pertubant, disturbing; perturbing.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.adj.1875