free radical
noun
: 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
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In addition, exercise may also reduce inflammation and the buildup of free radicals which tend to accelerate the advancement of processes that cause damage to the body, including the brain.
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Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 May 2024
But when Böke peered inside dormant human and frog oocytes, they weren’t overloaded with free radicals at all.
—Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free radical 
Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 May 2024
But when Böke peered inside dormant human and frog oocytes, they weren’t overloaded with free radicals at all.
—Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free radical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free radical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Free radical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20radical. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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