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

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

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