enhancer

noun

en·​hanc·​er in-ˈhan(t)-sər 

en-

1

: one that enhances

2

: a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by preferentially increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule

Examples of enhancer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By bringing enhancers to different parts of the chromosome, the loops can not only allow a single enhancer to help regulate more than one gene but also allow a gene to be regulated by more than one enhancer. —Quanta Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025

Food-industry giants can camouflage missing salt and fat with emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, and other additives. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2025

They’re also advised to avoid using too many effects, including reverb, compression and vocal enhancers, per the video audition tips. —Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

Some manufacturers also add natural flavor enhancers or acidifiers. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enhancer

• merganser
• romancer
• anser
• answer
• cancer
• dancer
• lancer
• anticancer
• necromancer

Medical Definition

enhancer

noun

en·​hanc·​er in-ˈhan(t)-sər, en- 

: a nucleotide sequence that increases the rate of genetic transcription by increasing the activity of the nearest promoter on the same DNA molecule