Bohr effect

noun

: the decrease in the oxygen affinity of a respiratory pigment (such as hemoglobin) in response to decreased blood pH resulting from increased carbon dioxide concentration in the blood

Examples of Bohr effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Geneo Personal capsule combined with the Gel create a layer of CO2 bubbles on the skin which triggers a natural mechanism to release oxygen from the capillaries to the skin's cells, a physiological response known as the Bohr effect. Meggen Taylor, Forbes, 20 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

Christian Bohr †1911 Danish physiologist

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bohr effect was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near Bohr effect

Cite this Entry

“Bohr effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bohr%20effect. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

Bohr effect

noun
: the decrease in oxygen affinity of a respiratory pigment (as hemoglobin or hemocyanin) in response to decreased blood pH resulting from increased carbon dioxide concentration

More from Merriam-Webster on Bohr effect

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!