reagent

noun

re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt How to pronounce reagent (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Expanding the bat toolbox: Carollia perspicillata bat cell lines and reagents enable the characterization of viral susceptibility and innate immune responses Avery Hurt is a freelance science journalist. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 17 May 2025 As lawmakers take aim at hard-to-recycle plastic and foam, a California packaging company is introducing a new shipping cooler made of woven paper fibers that could transform how temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and laboratory reagents are moved across the world. Curtis Bunn, NBC news, 2 May 2025 According to the company, the incorrect tests occurred between mid-April and July 2024 after the company temporarily changed the reagent, or chemical used in the drug test, because the original substance was unavailable from the manufacturer. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for reagent

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of reagent was in 1797

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reagent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reagent. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

reagent

noun
re·​agent rē-ˈā-jənt How to pronounce reagent (audio)
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

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