reagent

noun

re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt 

: a substance used (as in detecting or measuring a component, in preparing a product, or in developing photographs) because of its chemical or biological activity

Examples of reagent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These solvents and reagents are used in enormous quantities, which can be recycled but must all be disposed of eventually. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024

Then, in the relatively environmentally friendly process used at Mountain Pass, called froth flotation, a kind of chemical reagent called a surfactant is added to the slurry. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Dec. 2024

Mercury has been used in the manufacture of chlorine and caustic soda, in cement production, as a coolant in nuclear reactors, in fungicides, reagents, embalming, batteries, preservatives, antiseptics, and cosmetics. —Sallie Tisdale, Harper's Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

Cell Therapy: Prime Medicine has entered into a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb to develop reagents for use with T-cell therapies. —Katie Jennings, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin reagent-, reagens, present participle of reagere to react — more at react

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reagent

• Schiff reagent
• Schiff's reagent

Rhymes for reagent

• newsagent
• subagent
• agent

Medical Definition

reagent

noun

re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt 

1

: a substance used (as in detecting or measuring a component, in preparing a product, or in developing photographs) because of its chemical or biological activity

2

: reactor sense 1b