agonist
/ˈæɡənɪst/
noun
- A muscle that contracts to produce a movement, working against another muscle (the antagonist).
- Physical therapists often strengthen the agonist to improve joint stability.
- The biceps brachii is the agonist when you curl your arm upward.
- In a bicep curl, the agonist muscle shortens to lift the weight.
- A substance (such as a drug) that activates a receptor in the body, producing a biological response.
- An opioid agonist can relieve severe pain but may cause dependence.
- This medication acts as an agonist on dopamine receptors to treat Parkinson's disease.
- Scientists are testing a new agonist that mimics the effects of natural hormones.
- A person who actively fights for a cause or engages in a struggle.
- As an agonist for educational reform, he spoke at many school board meetings.
- She was a fierce agonist for social justice in her community.
- The activist became a well-known agonist in the fight for environmental protection.
Antonyms