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

Viking Therapeutics is working on both an injection and once-daily oral formulation of a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. —Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 July 2024

This new class of drugs, called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists, has proven remarkably effective at promoting weight loss and other health outcomes. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024

Around 2021 the story of GLP-1 receptor agonists took a dramatic turn. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Dopamine agonists are now recognized to cause severe problems of impulse control, and Parkinson’s patients often develop addictions to shopping or gambling. —Scott Sayare Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 14 June 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