a person or thing that inhibits.
Chemistry. a substance that decreases the rate of or stops completely a chemical reaction.
any impurity in a mineral that prevents luminescence. Compare activator ( def 3 ).
Rocketry. an inert antioxidant used with solid propellants to inhibit burning on certain surfaces.
Also, inhibiter.

1865–70; inhibit + -or2 Unabridged
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World English Dictionary
inhibitor (ɪnˈhɪbɪtə)
1.  Also called: inhibiter a person or thing that inhibits
2.  Compare catalyst Also called: anticatalyst a substance that retards or stops a chemical reaction
3.  biochem
 a.  a substance that inhibits the action of an enzyme
 b.  a substance that inhibits a metabolic or physiological process: a plant growth inhibitor
4.  any impurity in a solid that prevents luminescence
5.  an inert substance added to some rocket fuels to inhibit ignition on certain surfaces

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

inhibitor in·hib·i·tor or in·hib·it·er (ĭn-hĭb'ĭ-tər)

  1. A substance that restrains or retards physiological, chemical, or enzymatic action.

  2. A nerve whose stimulation represses activity.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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Example sentences
There seems to be no inhibitor to immediate production.
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that blocks uric acid production.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs block proteins involved in tumor cell growth
  and production.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs block the cell signals that trigger cancer
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