antimetabolite
noun
Meaning
A substance that interferes with the normal metabolic processes of a cell by substituting for a natural molecule.
Examples
- The oncologist explained that the antimetabolite would prevent the tumor cells from replicating their DNA.
- Researchers are testing a new antimetabolite to see if it can effectively target drug-resistant bacteria.
Synonyms: inhibitor, antagonist, chemotherapeutic, cytostatic