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antagonism

 - 4 dictionary results

an⋅tag⋅o⋅nism

  [an-tag-uh-niz-uhm]
Use antagonism in a Sentence
–noun
1. an active hostility or opposition, as between unfriendly or conflicting groups: the antagonism between the liberal and the conservative parties.
2. an opposing force, principle, or tendency: Her plan to become an actress met with the antagonism of her family.
3. Physiology. an opposing action, as by one muscle in relation to another.
4. the opposing action of substances, as drugs, that when taken together decrease the effectiveness of at least one of them (contrasted with synergism ).
5. Ecology.
a. a relationship between two species of organisms in which the individuals of each species adversely affect the other, as in competition.
b. the inhibition of the growth of one type of organism by a different type that is competing for the same ecological niche.
Origin:
1835–40; (< F antagonisme) < Gk antagnisma. See antagonize, -ism

Synonyms:
1. conflict, friction, strife. 2. animosity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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an·tag·o·nism   (ān-tāg'ə-nĭz'əm)   
n.  

  1. Hostility that results in active resistance, opposition, or contentiousness. See Synonyms at enmity.

  2. The condition of being an opposing principle, force, or factor: the inherent antagonism of capitalism and socialism.

  3. Biochemistry Interference in the physiological action of a chemical substance by another having a similar structure.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: an·tag·o·nism
Pronunciation: an-'tag-&-"niz-&m
Function: noun
: opposition in physiological action: a : contrariety in the effect of contraction of muscles (as the extensors and flexors of a part) b : interaction of two or more substances such that the action of any one of themon living cells or tissues is lessened (as by interference with the uptake or by an opposing physiological reaction) —compare SYNERGISM
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

antagonism an·tag·o·nism (ān-tāg'ə-nĭz'əm)
n.
Mutual opposition in action between structures, agents, diseases, or physiological processes. Also called mutual resistance.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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