free radical
nounDefinition of free radical
: an especially reactive atom or group of atoms that has one or more unpaired electrons
especially
: one that is produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from an outside source (such as tobacco smoke, toxins, or pollutants) and that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure
Examples of free radical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The enzyme, like other antioxidants, can even neutralize free radicals (which have been linked to aging). — Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "Shop Kristen Bell’s Fave Skyn Iceland Eye Gels for Just $13 at Dermstore’s Anniversary Sale Right Now," 19 Aug. 2019 Those wavelengths can cause direct damage to our DNA, causing mutation and indirectly triggering free radicals that also damage proteins and DNA. — Kristen Granero, NBC News, "Sweating, chafing, chlorine: Solutions to summer's biggest hair and skin challenges," 18 Aug. 2019 Another foolproof option is the Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Serum, which works to fade sun damage, repair fine lines and wrinkles, and fight free radicals. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Paula's Choice Is Having a "Summer Essentials" Sale With Products Up to 30 Percent Off," 27 July 2019 Loquat leaf delivers antioxidants, which both prevent sun damage in real time (by neutralizing free radicals) and repair skin overnight, while Japanese wild rose smooths skin texture and minimizes the look of my otherwise gigantic pores. — Deanna Pai, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Multitasking Sunscreen I Never Leave Home Without," 22 July 2019 Overtime, free radical oxidation can cause your skin's natural barrier to weaken. — Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "3 Reasons Why Your Skin Routine Needs Vitamin E," 20 June 2019 Watermelon also contains lycopene, which is an antioxidant that destroys free radicals and reduces inflammation. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Box of broth makes this dish great!," 19 June 2019 An atom that becomes separated from a larger chemical structure is called a free radical. — Kyle Smith, National Review, "The Millennial Who Rejects Hipness and Irony," 14 June 2019 Polluted air contains a host of tiny particles, like dirt and sulfur dioxide, that create free radicals on skin. — Nikki Krecicki, Allure, "7 Reasons Your Skin Looks Dull — and How to Get a Glowing Complexion," 8 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'free radical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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