agonist

noun

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ag·o·nist | \ ˈa-gə-nist

Definition of agonist

1 : one that is engaged in a struggle

2 [from antagonist]

a : a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired

b : a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance dopaminergic agonists — compare antagonist sense 2b

Examples of agonist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web While its exact recipe is proprietary, the adjuvant contains something called a TLR7/8 agonist: small molecules that stimulate immune cells to activate an immune response. — Wired, 28 July 2022 Some men have had an increase in the blood pressure with mirabegron (the other available beta-3 agonist), so that is worth keeping an eye on. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 June 2022 The inhaler will contain medication to keep your lungs from going haywire, like a short-acting beta-agonist to open up your airways. — Ashley Abramson, SELF, 26 May 2022 In June of last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is also administered once-weekly through subcutaneous injection. — Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 May 2022 Methadone is an opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by activating opioid receptors. — Sarah Fielding, Health.com, 17 Nov. 2021 The most common treatments for acute migraine include the triptan (selective 5-hydroxytryptamine serotonin receptor agonist) class of medicines. — Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2021 Opioid agonist therapies, including methadone and suboxone, can also suppress testosterone. — Alia E. Dastagir, USA TODAY, 23 July 2021 On Friday, June 4th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide), a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, to be injected subcutaneously once-weekly. — Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 5 June 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'agonist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Aug 2022

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“Agonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agonist. Accessed 12 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for agonist

agonist

noun

ag·o·nist | \ ˈag-ə-nəst

Medical Definition of agonist

1 : a muscle that on contracting is automatically checked and controlled by the opposing simultaneous contraction of another muscle

— called also agonist muscle, prime mover

— compare antagonist sense a, synergist sense 2

2 : a chemical substance (as a drug) capable of combining with a receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding of an endogenous substance binding of adrenergic agonists — compare antagonist sense b