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
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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

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of active transport was in 1922

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 23 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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