inhibitor

/ɪnˈhɪbədər/

Other forms: inhibitors

An inhibitor is a substance or material that slows down or halts some activity. This word is popular in the chemistry lab, but you might also hear it at a garage. For example, a corrosion inhibitor helps slow down rust.

When you feel inhibited, you feel self-conscious and less likely to do things. In chemistry, an inhibitor has the effect of squelching something, shutting it down, or slowing it. For example, in a car engine, antifreeze is an inhibitor — it prevents or slows the formation of ice. Different substances are inhibitors for different reactions and activities. Think of an inhibitor as chemistry's way of saying "Slow down!" or "Stop!"

Definitions of inhibitor

1. noun

   a substance that retards or stops an activity
   antonyms:

   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

   types:

   angiotensin II inhibitor

   an agent that retards or restrains the action of angiotensin II

   antioxidant

   a substance that hinders oxidation or 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

   Diovan, valsartan

   an angiotensin II inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure

   glutathione peroxidase

   an enzyme in the body that is a powerful scavenger of free radicals

   Se, atomic number 34, selenium

   a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)

   carotenoid

   any of a class of highly unsaturated yellow to red pigments occurring in plants and animals

   rust inhibitor

   antioxidant that inhibits the formation of rust

   deuterium oxide, heavy water

   water containing a substantial proportion of deuterium atoms, used in nuclear reactors

   beta-naphthol

   an isomer of naphthol used in rubber as an antioxidant

   E, tocopherol, vitamin E

   a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

   C, ascorbic acid, vitamin C

   a vitamin found in fresh fruits (especially citrus fruits) and vegetables; prevents scurvy

   type of:

   substance

   a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties