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

Metoprolol can interact with several medications, including certain blood pressure drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), digoxin, and others. —Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

For some patients, checkpoint inhibitors can help reverse cancer’s clever tactic. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like Trusopt Ocumeter (dorzolamide) and Azopt (brinzolamide) Oral Medications Prescription medications taken by mouth are considered in more severe cases, when eye drops aren’t tolerated or pressure in the eye spikes. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 Oct. 2024

Composite decks fade as UV inhibitors wear off, and concrete decks may fade as sunlight impacts pigments in the finish (especially if they weren't appropriately sealed or treated). —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2024

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

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