Category: Terms

[pol-uh-mer] noun, Chemistry 1. a compound of high molecular weight derived either by the addition of many smaller molecules, as polyethylene, or by the condensation of many smaller molecules with the elimination of water, alcohol, or the like, as nylon. 2. a compound formed from two or more polymeric compounds. 3. a product of polymerization. […]

[lahy-guh nd, lig-uh nd] noun: 1. Biochemistry. a molecule, as an antibody, hormone, or drug, that binds to a receptor. 2. Chemistry. a molecule, ion, or atom that is bonded to the central metal atom of a coordination compound.

Fermentation is the process in which a substance breaks down into a simpler substance. Microorganisms like yeast and bacteria usually play a role in the fermentation process, creating beer, wine, bread, kimchi, yogurt and other foods. Source: www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/fermentation

Chelation — [kee-ley-shuh n] noun: 1. Chemistry: the process of chelating. 2. Medicine/Medical: a method of removing certain heavy metals from the bloodstream, used especially in treating lead or mercury poisoning. a controversial treatment for arteriosclerosis that attempts to remove calcium deposits from the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Source: dictionary.reference.com/browse/chelation

Phytic acid noun: A compound, C6H18O24P6, found abundantly in seeds and the bran of grain, that is the principal storage form of phosphorus in plants. Phytic acid is a strong chelator of calcium, zinc, and other minerals essential for animal metabolism, and diets based on foods high in phytic acid, such as unrefined flour, can […]

Norepinephrin — [nawr-ep-uh-nef-rin, -reen] noun: 1. Also called noradrenaline. Physiology. a neurotransmitter, released by adrenergic nerve terminals in the autonomic and possibly the central nervous system, that has such effects as constricting blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and dilating bronchi. 2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance used for emergency treatment of lowered blood […]

Vasodilation: Widening of blood vessels that results from relaxation of the muscular walls of the vessels. What widens in vasodilation is actually the diameter of the interior (lumen) of the vessel. The opposite of vasodilation is vasoconstriction. Source: www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5965

Vasoconstriction: Narrowing of the blood vessels that results from contraction of the muscular walls of the vessels. The opposite of vasoconstriction is vasodilation. Source: www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5964

Vasoconstrictor — [vas-oh-kuh n-strik-ter, vey-zoh-] noun, Physiology, Pharmacology: 1. a nerve or drug that causes vasoconstriction. Source: dictionary.reference.com/browse/vasoconstrictor

Stimulant — [stim-yuh-luh nt] noun: 1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. something that temporarily quickens some vital process or the functional activity of some organ or part: “Adrenalin is a stimulant for the heart.” 2. any food or beverage that stimulates, especially coffee, tea, or, in its initial effect, alcoholic liquor. 3. a stimulus or incentive. adjective 4. […]