SKIP TO CONTENT

free radical

/fri ˌrædəkəl/
IPA guide

Other forms: free radicals

Definitions of free radical
  1. noun
    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”
    synonyms: radical
    see moresee less
    type of:
    atom
    (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘free radical'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family