Wirkstoff

active ingredient

noun VIRK-shtof Rare

Also means

active substance

Usage Note

Wirkstoff is the pharmacologically active component of a medicine, as opposed to Hilfsstoff (excipient). Package inserts list the Wirkstoff by name; generic drugs contain the same Wirkstoff as branded ones but differ in Hilfsstoffe.

Examples

"Der Wirkstoff Ibuprofen hemmt Entzündungen und lindert Schmerzen."

Natural Translation

The active ingredient ibuprofen inhibits inflammation and relieves pain.

Literal Translation

The active ingredient ibuprofen inhibits inflammation and eases pain.

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