agonist

noun

ag·​o·​nist ˈa-gə-nist 

1

: one that is engaged in a struggle

2

[from antagonist]

a

: a muscle that is controlled by the action of an antagonist with which it is paired

b

: a chemical substance capable of combining with a specific receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding endogenous substance

dopaminergic agonists

compare antagonist sense 2b

Examples of agonist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The discovery would eventually launch a new class of diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the first of which was approved in 2005. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 24 July 2024

Availability is also a factor—some doses of GLP-1 agonists are often hard to access. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 12 July 2024

The medication, a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist, was initially approved for chronic weight management in 2021. —Korin Miller, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

Complaints of digestive issues are common among the millions of Americans who take GLP-1 agonists for weight loss or diabetes. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin agōnista, borrowed from Greek agōnistḗs, from agōnízesthai "to contend, fight" + -istēs -ist entry 1 — more at agonize

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

agonist

noun

ag·​o·​nist ˈag-ə-nəst 

1

: a muscle that on contracting is automatically checked and controlled by the opposing simultaneous contraction of another muscle

called also agonist muscle, prime mover

compare antagonist sense a, synergist sense 2

2

: a chemical substance (as a drug) capable of combining with a receptor on a cell and initiating the same reaction or activity typically produced by the binding of an endogenous substance

binding of adrenergic agonists

compare antagonist sense b