allosteric

adjective

al·​lo·​ste·​ric ˌa-lō-ˈster-ik  -ˈstir- 

: of, relating to, undergoing, or being a change in the shape and activity of a protein (such as an enzyme) that results from combination with another substance at a point other than the chemically active site

allosterically

ˌa-lō-ˈster-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈstir-

adverb

allostery

ˈa-lō-ˌster-ē 

-ˌstir-

noun

Examples of allosteric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The arrays’ ability to store energy and operate autonomously, powered by allosteric molecular processes, further enhances their potential. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 19 Nov. 2025

The Company is focused on developing drugs based on selective allosteric modulation of CNS synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors. — Forbes Quant Trader, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021

Molecular mechanism of the allosteric enhancement of the umami taste sensation. — Liz Roth-Johnson, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2013

Word History

Etymology

allo- + steric

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for allosteric

• amphoteric
• anomeric
• atmospheric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric
• dysenteric
• esoteric
• exoteric
• isomeric
• lithospheric
• mesenteric

Medical Definition

allosteric

adjective

al·​lo·​ste·​ric ˌal-ō-ˈster-ik  -ˈsti(ə)r- 

: of, relating to, or being a change in the shape and activity of a protein (as an enzyme) that results from combination with another substance at a point other than the chemically active site

allosterically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

allostery

ˈal-ō-ˌster-ē  -ˌsti(ə)r- 

noun

plural allosteries