inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhi-bə-tər 

: one that inhibits: such as

a

: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical action

b

: a substance that reduces or suppresses the activity of another substance (such as an enzyme)

Examples of inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using a proteasome inhibitor can prevent the spread of cancer cells. —Barbara Brody, Health, 9 June 2024

In the study, Moderna and Merck combined their cancer treatments—Moderna’s experimental cancer vaccine and Merck’s approved checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—to achieve potentially life-changing results for melanoma patients. —Alice Park, TIME, 3 June 2024

The point is that Chinese leaders may not view the disruption of semiconductor supply chains as an inhibitor to launching a war. —Matt Pottinger, Foreign Affairs, 23 Aug. 2021

Certain medicines, like beta-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine, a lifesaving drug used to treat anaphylactic shock. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing inhibitor

• ACE inhibitor
• protease inhibitor
• proton pump inhibitor
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Medical Definition

inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhib-ət-ər 

: one that inhibits: as

a

: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical reaction

b

: a substance that reduces the activity of another substance (as an enzyme)

c

: a gene that checks the normal effect of another nonallelic gene when both are present