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

Each group received different combinations of topoisomerase inhibitors—irinotecan and temozolomide—with or without the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Aromatase inhibitors: These block your body's estrogen production by blocking aromatase, an enzyme that helps make estrogen. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025

If eczema symptoms persist, a dermatologist can prescribe topical medications, including steroid creams or calcineurin inhibitors, that can address the inflammation caused by eczema, says Chadha. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

Ending esters The reaction the research team worked on (involving some of the same people who designed snake venom inhibitors) is the breakdown of what's called an ester bond. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for inhibitor

• exhibitor

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