inhibitor

or in·hib·it·er

[ in-hib-i-ter ]
/ ɪnˈhɪb ɪ tər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR inhibitor ON THESAURUS.COM

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

Words related to inhibitor

avoidance, interruption, halt, blockage, stoppage, interception, prohibition, obstruction, obstacle, impediment, hindrance, determent, thwarting, deterrence, preclusion, obviation

Example sentences from the Web for inhibitor

British Dictionary definitions for inhibitor

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 inhibitor

inhibitor

n.

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