inhibitor
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˌɪnˈhɪbətɝ// UK //ɪnhˈɪbɪtɐ// in·hibitor
n. a substance that slows down or stops a chemical reaction or a biological process.
n. a substance that decreases the rate of, or prevents, a chemical reaction or physiological process. Often acts by binding to an enzyme and blocking its activity.
The drug acts as an inhibitor to stop the virus from spreading.
Scientists are testing a new enzyme inhibitor that could potentially lower high blood pressure in patients.
In competitive inhibition, the inhibitor binds to the active site of the enzyme, effectively preventing the substrate from reacting and thus halting the metabolic pathway.
From inhibit + -or.
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' or 'to' when describing its target.