A reaction inhibitor is a substance that prevents or decreases the rate of a chemical reaction. When an inhibitor reduces the rate of an uncatalysed reaction, it can be called a "negative catalyst". The word "inhibitor" can also be used to designate a substance that reduces the effectiveness of a catalyst (either a non-biological catalyst or an enzyme). Non-biological catalyist inhibitors are often referred to as "catalyst poisons". A chemical reaction is a process that results in the interconversion of chemical substances [1]. The substance or substances initially involved in a chemical reaction are called reactants. ... In chemistry, a catalyst (Greek: καταλύτης, catalytēs) is a substance that accelerates the rate (speed) or ease of a chemical reaction (see also catalysis) without itself being changed at the end of the chemical reaction. ...

See also

• Enzyme inhibition