Definition of adjuvant
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: serving to aid or contribute : auxiliary
2
: enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatment
Retinoids also seem to be useful as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of psoriasis, and they may induce regression of premalignant lesions, including actinic keratoses.— Robert S. Stern
specifically
: of, relating to, or being treatment administered following primary cancer treatment to enhance the outcome of primary treatment
adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery … women who choose this extensive surgery live no longer than women who choose lumpectomy (with or without adjuvant radiation) and frequent check-ups — Susan S. Weed
— compare neoadjuvant
adjuvant
nounDefinition of adjuvant (Entry 2 of 2)
: one that helps or facilitates: such as
a
: an ingredient (as in a prescription or a solution) that modifies the action of the principal ingredient
b
: something (such as a drug or method) that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment
used chemotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery
c
: a substance (such as one added to a vaccine) enhancing the immune response to an antigen
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for adjuvant
The first known use of adjuvant was in 1574
See more words from the same year