agonist etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: ἀγωνιστής (agōnistḗs)
  • Meaning: "competitor," "contestant"

Origin:

The word "agonist" originates from the Greek term "ἀγών" (agōn), which means "contest," "struggle," or "dispute." This term was often used in the context of athletic competitions, where athletes would strive to be the "agonistḗs" or victor.

Meaning:

In modern usage, "agonist" has come to have several meanings:

  • In pharmacology: An agonist is a drug or chemical substance that binds to a specific receptor on a cell and triggers a physiological response. This response can be either stimulatory (activating the receptor) or inhibitory (blocking the receptor).
  • In chemistry: An agonist is a molecule that resembles another molecule (its substrate) and binds to the same active site on an enzyme, but does not undergo the same chemical reaction as the substrate.
  • In biology: An agonist is a molecule that mimics the effects of another molecule (its ligand) by binding to the same receptor or binding site.
  • In physiology: An agonist is a substance or stimulus that causes a muscle to contract.
  • In psychology: An agonist is a behavior or mental state that opposes another behavior or mental state (antagonist).

agonist relate terms

  • agony

    Etymology Greek ἀγωνία agōnia Meaning Contest struggle painful distr

  • agonistic

    Etymology From Greek agonistes competitor contestant Derived from agon contest

  • agonist

    Etymology Greek ἀγωνιστής agōnistḗs Meaning competitor contestant

  • antagonist

    Etymology Greek ἀνταγωνιστής antagonistēs from ἀντί anti agai

  • protagonist

    Etymology The word protagonist is derived from the Greek words protos meaning fir

  • machine

    Etymology of Machine The word machine originates from the Greek term mekhane which

  • emotion

    Etymology The word emotion derives from the Latin word emovere which means to move

  • trespass

    Etymology of Trespass The word trespass originated from the Old French term trespas

  • church

    Etymology The English word church originates from the Old English word cirice which

  • breakfast

    Etymology The word breakfast originated in the early 15th century Middle English term

  • taboo

    Etymology The word taboo originates from the Tongan language where it is spelled tap