Acceptor

/əkˈsɛptər/ noun

Definition

A person or thing that accepts something, or in chemistry, an atom or molecule that receives electrons from a donor.

Etymology

From Latin acceptor, from acceptare (to accept). The -or suffix creates an agent noun meaning 'one who accepts.' In chemistry, the term was adopted to describe the role of certain atoms in electron transfer.

Kelly Says

In chemistry, an 'acceptor' is like an electron-hungry atom waiting for a electron-donor to give it what it needs—this is why some atoms are called 'electron acceptors,' and it's fundamental to how batteries and solar cells work!

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