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active site
noun
: a region on the surface of an enzyme whose shape permits binding only of a specific molecular substrate that then undergoes catalysis
Examples of active site in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Aubrey Valley/Double O Ranch is the only active site in the state.
—Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024
Despite 25 years of active site remediation, and evidence that the concentration of contaminants is declining, significant impacts to the soil and groundwater remain.
—Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2024
There were fewer than 50 active sites in August, shortly after the ban took effect.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2024
Advertisement Carnegie’s agreement with the U.S. Forest Service stipulates that the observatory must remain an active site for research, astronomy or education — or be dismantled down to its last historic bolt.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near active site
Cite this Entry
“Active site.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20site. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
active site
noun
: a region especially of a biologically active protein (as an enzyme) where catalytic activity takes place and whose shape permits the binding only of a specific reactant molecule
More from Merriam-Webster on active site
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about active site
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