a molecule that has an extra electron and can react very easily with other molecules. Free radicals sometimes form in the human body and can cause cancer.
Synonyms and related words
Atoms and parts of atoms
alpha particle
anion
antiparticle
free radical
noun countable science
US
Word Forms
singular
free radical
plural
free radicals
DEFINITIONS1
1
a molecule that has an extra electron and can react very easily with other molecules. Free radicals sometimes form in the human body and can cause cancer.