"Agonist" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples
"Agonist" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Agonist" Meaning
An agonist is a drug or substance that activates a specific receptor in the body or brain, producing a physiological or pharmacological response. It binds to the receptor and fully mimics the natural ligand, causing the desired effect. In a broader context, it can also refer to a person or force that initiates or drives an action or conflict.
"Agonist" Examples
1. In pharmacology, an agonist is a drug that activates a receptor to produce a biological response, such as a pain reliever that binds to opioid receptors to reduce pain.
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- Example: Morphine is an opioid agonist that effectively binds to mu-opioid receptors to alleviate pain.
2. In sports, an agonist muscle is the primary muscle group involved in a specific movement, contracting while its antagonist relaxes.
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- Example: During a bicep curl, the biceps brachii is the agonist as it contracts to flex the elbow joint.
3. In theater, an agonist is a main character who drives the conflict or opposes the protagonist, often creating dramatic tension.
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- Example: In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Tybalt is an antagonist who opposes Romeo, leading to a series of tragic events.
4. In psychology, an agonist can refer to a person or situation that provokes or stimulates a strong emotional response, often in the context of behavioral therapy.
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- Example: In exposure therapy for anxiety disorders, the therapist may use an agonist, like a feared object or situation, to help the patient confront and overcome their fears.
5. In chemistry, an agonist can be a substance that fully or partially mimics the action of another molecule, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter.
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- Example: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a full agonist at beta-adrenergic receptors, producing maximum activation when bound to these receptors, increasing heart rate and dilation of blood vessels.
"Agonist" Similar Words
Agonidae
Agonidae is a family of fish commonly known as the Pacific sanddabs. They are a type of flatfish found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, typically living on the ocean floor.
Agonies
Agonies refers to intense and severe physical or emotional pain, suffering, or distress. It can be used to describe the struggles and torment experienced in situations of great difficulty or anguish.
Agonise
To agonize means to experience great pain, suffering, or mental distress; to struggle intensely with a difficult decision or problem.
Agonised
"Agonised" is an adjective that describes someone who is experiencing great pain, torment, or mental anguish. It can also convey a sense of intense struggle or inner conflict. For example, "He was agonised over the difficult decision he had to make."
Agonises
"Agonises" is the verb form of "agonize," which means to experience great pain, distress, or anxiety, typically over a difficult decision or problem. It can also refer to the process of intense struggle or competition, as in sports or intellectual pursuits.
Agonising
"Agonising" is an adjective that describes something causing great pain, distress, or anxiety. It can refer to physical or emotional suffering, and it often implies a prolonged and intense experience. For example, "He had an agonising headache," or "She went through an agonising decision-making process."
Agonisingly
"agonisingly" is an adverb that describes something that is extremely painful, distressing, or difficult, often causing great mental or physical suffering. It can also convey a sense of slow and drawn-out process, making the experience even more unbearable.
Agonism
Agonism refers to a relationship or situation where two parties compete or struggle against each other, often for dominance or control. It can also denote a principle in pharmacology where a drug mimics the action of a natural substance by binding to the same receptor, but may have partial efficacy or produce a different effect.
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