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