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active transport
noun
: the movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or in electrical potential across a plasma membrane compare passive transport
Examples of active transport in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This may partly account for why, even in Luton, one-fifth of the children studied switched from car-based to active transport during the study period.
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
Compared to the baseline, 42% of the central London children switched from car-riding to active transport (walking, cycling, scootering, and/or using public transport).
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
In Luton, 21% of the children transitioned to passive transport, so that essentially there was no change in rates of active transport.
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1922, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near active transport
Cite this Entry
“Active transport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20transport. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
active transport
noun
: the movement (as across a cell membrane) of substances from regions of lower concentration to regions of higher concentration by the use of energy
Medical Definition
active transport
noun
: movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or electrical potential across a plasma membrane
More from Merriam-Webster on active transport
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about active transport
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