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

As a result, there is an enormous interest in developing myostatin inhibitors to preserve muscle mass in patients receiving obesity drugs, officials said. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025

Enlarged prostate High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) PDE5 inhibitors, such as tadalafil or sildenafil, can also treat fluid buildup in the lungs from high elevations. —Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025

How to reduce glycation Taking GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic is not the only way to balance blood sugar, reduce glycation and potentially improve the appearance of your skin. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

The researchers discovered that the stem-like T cells’ endurance was fueled by a protein called inhibitor of DNA binding 3, or ID3, which is expressed by a gene of the same name. —New Atlas, 4 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