inhibitor

or in·hib·it·er

[ in-hib-i-ter ]
/ ɪnˈhɪb ɪ tər /

noun

a person or thing that inhibits.
Chemistry. a substance that decreases the rate of or stops completely a chemical reaction.
any impurity in a mineral that prevents luminescence. Compare activator(def 3).
Rocketry. an inert antioxidant used with solid propellants to inhibit burning on certain surfaces.

Origin of inhibitor

First recorded in 1865–70; inhibit + -or2

Words nearby inhibitor

inhesion, inhibin, inhibit, inhibited, inhibition, inhibitor, inhibitory fiber, inhibitory nerve, inhibitory obsession, inhibitory postsynaptic potential, inholding

British Dictionary definitions for inhibiter

inhibitor
/ (ɪnˈhɪbɪtə) /

noun

Also called: inhibiter a person or thing that inhibits
Also called: anticatalyst a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction Compare catalyst
biochem
  1. a substance that inhibits the action of an enzyme
  2. a substance that inhibits a metabolic or physiological processa plant growth inhibitor
any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence
an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces

Medical definitions for inhibiter

inhibitor

n.

A substance that restrains or retards physiological, chemical, or enzymatic action.
A nerve whose stimulation represses activity.