reagent
UK: riːˈeɪdʒənt | US: riˈeɪdʒənt
n. a substance or compound used in chemical reactions to detect, measure, or produce other substances.
reagent = re<again> + ag<act> + ent<noun suffix>
- re (prefix): from Latin re-, meaning "again" or "back."
- ag (root): from Latin agere, meaning "to act" or "to drive."
- ent (suffix): from Latin -entem, forming agent nouns (one who/that which acts).
Etymology Origin:
The word reagent originates from Latin roots, combining re- (indicating repetition) and agere (to act). It entered English via scientific terminology in the early 19th century, referring to substances that "act again" or participate in chemical reactions. The suffix -ent marks it as an agent noun, emphasizing its active role in experiments.
The lab technician added a reagent to the solution to observe the color change.
This reagent is highly sensitive to pH levels.
Always store reagents in labeled containers to avoid contamination.
The experiment failed due to an expired reagent.
Scientists developed a new reagent to detect trace metals in water.