irritant

[US]/'ɪrɪt(ə)nt/
[UK]/'ɪrɪtənt/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. causing irritation; having the quality of irritating
n. a substance that causes irritation; a stimulus that causes irritation

Example Sentences

in 1966 Vietnam was becoming an irritant to the government.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.Schott), a tropical edible crop, contains an irritant factor in corm.

The growth,infiltration and metastasis of oncoma depend on tumor angiogenesis.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)is the most important irritant factor of angiogenesis.

Irritant herbs (Mylabris, Semen Sinapis Albae, Bulbus Allii) were applied at painful spots or acupoints to vesicate and stop the pains. 50 patients were treated and the results were satisfactory.

pollen can be an irritant for people with allergies

certain chemicals in cleaning products can act as irritants to the skin

loud noises can be an irritant for those with sensory sensitivities

constant interruptions can be a major irritant in the workplace

dust mites are a common irritant for people with asthma

excessive heat can be an irritant during the summer months

itchy clothing tags can be an irritant against the skin

strong perfumes can be an irritant for those with fragrance sensitivities

cigarette smoke is a common irritant for non-smokers

excessive noise pollution can be an irritant in urban areas

Real-world Examples

I do tend to buy out my irritants.

Source: The Good Wife Season 4

Alright so people who smoke expose their airways to all sorts of irritants and chemicals.

Source: Osmosis - Respiration

A third officer sprays him with a chemical irritant.

Source: VOA Standard English_Americas

The sac coats the irritant with layers of smooth nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl.

Source: Science 60 Seconds - Scientific American August 2022 Compilation

It traps dirt and germs, it keeps water out, and it collects bacteria and other dusty allergens and irritants.

Source: One Hundred Thousand Whys

Stinging wasps are one candidate, but the picnic irritants play a vital role, eating other pests and pollinating flowers.

Source: The Economist - Finance

" There are always irritants in relationships" .

Source: VOA Special June 2018 Collection

In some species, trichomes also dispense chemical irritants.

Source: TED-Ed (video version)

The large center is the manmade irritant placed in the shell to encourage nacre formation.

Source: High-Priced Goods Price Interpretation Season 2

So if you're willing to be an irritant, that can be an effective tactic too.

Source: Financial Times Podcast

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now