Free-radical definition

An atom or molecule having at least one unpaired electron: free radicals are typically very reactive and unstable, and can damage healthy tissue cells.
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An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
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An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
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An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.
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(chemistry, physics) A molecule, ion or atom that has one or more unpaired electrons, and which is generally highly reactive (therefore often occurs only as a transient species).
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
free-radical
Plural:
free-radicals

Free-radical Sentence Examples

  • It is very effective at fighting free-radical damage caused by oxidative stress when taken internally and applied topically.

  • Low-density polythene is also often protected by carbon black which absorbs the ultraviolet light which causes free radical production (see p.54 ).

  • How are such small amounts of vitamin E able to protect cell membranes against sustained free radical attack?

  • A free radical is an atom or compound which contains an unpaired electron.

  • The free radical fighting abilities of melatonin - a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in your brain - are well known.

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