free radical

free radical definition - medical

free radical

noun
  1. An uncharged atom or group of atoms having at least one unpaired electron, which makes it highly reactive.
  2. An organic compound having some unpaired valence electrons; a normal byproduct of oxidation reactions in metabolism.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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