Antimetabolic is a term used to describe substances that interfere with the metabolic processes of living organisms. These substances can be natural or synthetic and are used for a variety of purposes, such as treating diseases or controlling the growth of plants and animals. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antimetabolic, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and root words.
Definitions
Antimetabolic refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit or interfere with metabolic processes. Metabolism is the process by which living organisms convert food into energy and other essential molecules. Antimetabolic substances can disrupt this process, leading to a range of effects, such as slowing down growth or killing cells.
Origin
The term antimetabolic comes from the Greek words “anti,” meaning against, and “metabolē,” meaning change. The concept of antimetabolites dates back to the early 20th century when researchers discovered that certain chemicals could interfere with the growth of cancer cells.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, antimetabolic refers to “a substance that interferes with or inhibits a metabolic process.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a substance that inhibits or interferes with the normal metabolic processes of an organism or cell.”
Associations
Antimetabolic substances are used in medicine to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. They work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, and inhibiting their growth. Antimetabolic compounds are also used in agriculture to control the growth of weeds and pests.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for antimetabolic include metabolic inhibitor, metabolic antagonist, and metabolic disruptor.
Antonyms
Antonyms for antimetabolic include metabolic stimulant, metabolic enhancer, and metabolic accelerator.
The same root words
The root words in antimetabolic are “anti” and “metabolē.” Other words that share these roots include antiseptic, antibiotic, metabolism, and metabolite.
Example Sentences
- The chemotherapy drugs he was given were antimetabolic and caused him to lose his hair.
- The herbicide we used is an antimetabolic compound that interferes with the growth of weeds.
- Researchers are exploring the use of antimetabolic substances to treat autoimmune diseases.
- The bacteria were resistant to the antimetabolic drug, making it difficult to treat the infection.
- Antimetabolic compounds are used in agriculture to control the growth of pests and improve crop yields.