reagent

noun

re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt 

: a substance used (as in detecting or measuring a component, in preparing a product, or in developing photographs) because of its chemical or biological activity

Examples of reagent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cell Therapy: Prime Medicine has entered into a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to develop reagents for use with T-cell therapies. —Katie Jennings, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Imports require voluminous paperwork and reagents often travel through several countries en route, racking up tariffs and delays. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 9 Aug. 2024

Traditional staining methods rely on toxic reagents and can take hours or days to produce results. —Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 18 Sep. 2024

Key reagents are unavailable in Nigeria or even in Africa. —Byjon Cohen, science.org, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin reagent-, reagens, present participle of reagere to react — more at react

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reagent

• Schiff reagent
• Schiff's reagent

Medical Definition

reagent

noun

re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt 

1

: a substance used (as in detecting or measuring a component, in preparing a product, or in developing photographs) because of its chemical or biological activity

2

: reactor sense 1b