This refers to any substance that causes inflammation following immediate, prolonged, or repeated contact with skin or mucous membranes.

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From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

Ir"ri*tant (?), a. [LL. irritants, -antis, p. pr. of irritare to make null, fr. L. irritus void; pref. ir- not + ratus established.] ScotsLaw

Rendering null and void; conditionally invalidating.

The states elected Harry, Duke of Anjou, for their king, with this clause irritant; that, if he did violate any part of his oath, the people should owe him no allegiance. Hayward.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Ir"ri*tant, a. [L. irritans, -antis, p. pr. of irritare: cf. F. irritant. See Irritate to excite.]

Irritating; producing irritation or inflammation.

 

© Webster 1913.

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Ir"ri*tant, n. [Cf. F. irritant.]

1.

That which irritates or excites.

2. Physiol. & Med.

Any agent by which irritation is produced; as, a chemical irritant; a mechanical or electrical irritant.

3. Toxicology

A poison that produces inflammation.

Counter irritant. See under Counter. -- Pure irritant Toxicology, a poison that produces inflammation without any corrosive action upon the tissues.

 

© Webster 1913.