word
Reactive Oxygen Species
ree-AK-tiv OK-sih-jen SPEE-sheez
/riːˈæktɪv ˈɒksɪdʒɛn ˈspiːʃiːz/Listen
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Syllable breakdown
reactiveoxygenspecies
Dictionary meaning
Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen (such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) produced during aerobic metabolism; elevated ROS during exercise can cause oxidative stress but also trigger adaptation
History and origin
Abbreviation ROS; central concept in exercise biochemistry and antioxidant research
Examples
- Exercise generates reactive oxygen species, which at moderate levels stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Excessive supplementation with antioxidants may blunt the training benefits triggered by reactive oxygen species.
Synonyms: ROS, free radicals (informal)
Pronunciation tips
'Species' here is used in the chemical sense (types/forms), not biological species
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