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.
ingredient
Wirkstoff and Inhaltsstoff can both refer to a component of a medication or cosmetic product. Wirkstoff specifically means the substance that produces the intended biological effect; Inhaltsstoff can also refer to a component without that effect. Use Wirkstoff when referring to the medical effect, and Inhaltsstoff for the product’s overall composition.
Der Wirkstoff in der Creme lindert die Entzündung.
The active ingredient in the cream reduces the inflammation.
Dieser Inhaltsstoff sorgt dafür, dass die Creme angenehm riecht.
This ingredient makes the cream smell pleasant.
