diluent

Pronunciation: dīl′yū′ent

Definition:

1. Ingredient in a medicinal preparation that lacks pharmacologic activity but is pharmaceutically necessary or desirable. In tablet or capsule dosage forms, this may be lactose or starch; it is particularly useful in increasing the bulk of potent drug substances with a mass too small for dosage to allow manufacture or administration. May be a liquid for the dissolution of drug(s) to be injected, ingested, or inhaled.
2. Denoting that which dilutes; the diluting agent.

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