Antioxidase

/ˌæntiˈɑksɪdeɪs/ noun

Definition

An enzyme or substance that counteracts or inhibits the activity of oxidizing enzymes.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + oxidase (an enzyme that catalyzes oxidation), derived from French oxyde + Greek -ase (enzyme suffix). This scientific term emerged in early 20th-century biochemistry.

Kelly Says

Antioxidases are like the body's bodyguards for oxidase enzymes—they patrol your cells keeping destructive oxidation reactions in check, which is why understanding them is crucial for studying aging and disease.

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