active transport

noun

: the movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or in electrical potential across a plasma membrane compare passive transport

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of active transport was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near active transport

Cite this Entry

“Active transport.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/active%20transport. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

active transport

noun
: the movement (as across a cell membrane) of substances from regions of lower concentration to regions of higher concentration by the use of energy

Medical Definition

active transport

noun
: movement of a chemical substance by the expenditure of energy against a gradient in concentration or electrical potential across a plasma membrane

More from Merriam-Webster on active transport

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