antimetabolite

noun

an·ti·me·tab·o·lite | \ ˌan-tē-mə-ˈta-bə-ˌlīt, ˌan-ˌtī-

Definition of antimetabolite

: a substance that is structurally similar to a metabolite (such as a coenzyme) and that serves to inhibit a particular cellular function (such as DNA synthesis) by interfering with or blocking the metaboliteʼs action From the start [Gertrude] Elion concentrated her research on using purine and pyrimidine antimetabolites to interfere with the synthesis of nucleic acids …— Mairin Brennan

Other Words from antimetabolite

antimetabolic \ ˌan-tē-ˌme-tə-ˈbä-lik

, ˌan-tī- \ adjective

a drug with antimetabolic action

Learn More About antimetabolite

Dictionary Entries Near antimetabolite

antimesometrial

antimetabolite

antimetastatic

Statistics for antimetabolite

Cite this Entry

“Antimetabolite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimetabolite. Accessed 30 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for antimetabolite

antimetabolite

noun

an·ti·me·tab·o·lite | \ ˌant-i-mə-ˈtab-ə-ˌlīt, ˌan-ˌtī-

Medical Definition of antimetabolite

: a substance that is structurally similar to a metabolite (as a coenzyme) and that serves to inhibit a particular cellular function (as DNA synthesis) by interfering with or blocking the metaboliteʼs action Antimetabolites, such as methotrexate masquerade as essential nutrients, which the cell uses instead of real nutrients and thus dies.— Jane E. Brody antimetabolite therapy

Other Words from antimetabolite

antimetabolic \ -ˌmet-ə-ˈbäl-ik

\ adjective

In addition to its antimetabolic effects, methotrexate has immunological effects … — Robert S. Stern