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
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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
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
See All Example Sentences for reagent
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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
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
See All Example Sentences for reagent
Cite this Entry
“Reagent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reagent. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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