inhibitors
n. countablen. something that slows down or stops a process from happening. In science, it is often a substance that prevents a chemical reaction.
n. substances or factors that decrease the rate of, or prevent altogether, a chemical reaction or physiological process. Often refers to molecules that bind to enzymes to reduce their activity.
The new drug acts as one of the most effective inhibitors of the virus.
Scientists are testing various chemical inhibitors to see which one best prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in food.
Competitive inhibitors work by binding to the active site of an enzyme, effectively blocking the substrate from entering and thus halting the metabolic pathway entirely.
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the process or substance being hindered.