a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction
Compare catalyst
3. biochemistry
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.
any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence
5.
an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces
inhibitor in American English
(ɪnˈhɪbɪtər)
noun
a person or thing that inhibits; esp., any substance that slows or prevents a chemical or organic reaction
: also sp. inˈhibiter
Examples of 'inhibitor' in a sentence
inhibitor
Naturally, Helen was curious about this, but her rule against off-duty prying was an effective inhibitor.
Delman, David DEATH OF A NYMPH (2004)
All related terms of 'inhibitor'
ACE inhibitor
any one of a class of drugs , including captopril , enalapril , and ramipril, that cause the arteries to widen by preventing the synthesis of angiotensin : used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure
protease inhibitor
any one of a class of antiviral drugs that impair the growth and replication of HIV by inhibiting the action of protease produced by the virus : used in the treatment of AIDS
aromatase inhibitor
any of a class of drugs that inhibit the action of aromatase : used in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer
proton-pump inhibitor
any of a group of drugs used to treat excessive secretion of acid in the stomach and any resulting ulcers . They block the enzyme ( proton pump ) in the cells of the gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acid
monoamine oxidase inhibitor
an agent that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase . Such inhibitors are used in the treatment of depression
SSRI
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ; any of a class of drugs , including fluvoxamine, paroxetine, fluoxetine (Prozac), and Lustral, that increase concentrations of serotonin in the brain : used in the treatment of depression