A substance that reacts with (or otherwise removes) a trace component (as in the scavenging of trace metal ions) or traps a reactive reaction intermediate.
See also: inhibition
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1162 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)