active ingredient
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active ingredient
The substance in a medication, pesticide, or cosmetic that produces the intended biological or pharmacological effect.
Der Wirkstoff in dieser Kopfschmerztablette ist Acetylsalicylsäure.
The active ingredient in this headache tablet is acetylsalicylic acid.
'Wirkstoff' (active ingredient) is made up of the stem of the verb 'wirken' (to have an effect) and the noun 'der Stoff' (substance). So it is literally a substance that has an effect.
Forscher haben einen neuen Wirkstoff gegen die Krankheit entdeckt.
Researchers have discovered a new active ingredient against the disease.
The word belongs to a family of words around 'wirken' (to have an effect). The verb is 'wirken' (to have an effect), and the related noun is 'die Wirkung' (the effect).
Die Wirkung des Medikaments tritt nach etwa 30 Minuten ein.
The effect of the medication begins after about 30 minutes.
'Wirkstoff' (active ingredient) is a technical term from pharmacy, medicine, and chemistry. It is used less often in normal everyday life.
Die Packungsbeilage listet alle Wirkstoffe und sonstigen Bestandteile auf.
The package leaflet lists all active ingredients and other components.
remedy / means
'das Mittel' and 'der Wirkstoff' can both occur with medications, pesticides, or cosmetics. But they do not mean the same thing. 'Mittel' is the whole product that you use. 'Wirkstoff' is the part of this product that produces the desired effect. The words are easy to confuse because both can appear on the packaging. The important point is: a 'Mittel' can contain several substances, but the 'Wirkstoff' is the active substance in it.
Der Wirkstoff in dieser Creme beruhigt die Haut nach dem Sonnenbrand.
The active ingredient in this cream soothes the skin after sunburn.
Die Mitarbeiterin sucht ein Mittel, das die Flecken auf dem Boden entfernt.
The employee is looking for a product that removes the stains on the floor.