cofactor

noun

co·​fac·​tor ˈkō-ˌfak-tər 

1

: the signed minor of an element of a square matrix or of a determinant with the sign positive if the sum of the column number and row number of the element is even and with the sign negative if it is odd

2

: a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects

especially : coenzyme

3

: something (such as diet or a virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Vitamin C is a critical cofactor for collagen synthesis and an effective antioxidant. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Dec. 2022

Selenium: This mineral is a cofactor to glutathione which means it is needed in the body to produce more glutathione. —Good Housekeeping, 10 Feb. 2023

Genetic studies also seemed to rule out any connection between genes affecting serotonin levels and depression, even when the researchers tried to consider stress as a possible cofactor. —Joanna Thompson, Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2023

Taking a supplement with magnesium can give your body more access to this cofactor to produce the above benefits. —Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022

Magnesium is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems within your body, contributing to numerous biochemical reactions. —Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022

Additionally, vitamin C serves as a cofactor in many crucial enzymatic functions throughout the body. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022

Chakravarty is among the COVID experts who think the coronavirus is worth a more serious look as a potential cause or cofactor. —Erin Prater, Fortune, 19 May 2022

Cells in our body and skin need niacinamide to make cofactors necessary for keeping cells functioning properly and for carrying out various processes that occur in our body (like metabolism and damage repair). —Danusia Wnek, Good Housekeeping, 28 Apr. 2020

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Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

cofactor

noun

co·​fac·​tor ˈkō-ˌfak-tər 

1

: a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects

especially : coenzyme

2

: something (as a diet or virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease

Infection with the HPV virus is an important cofactor in cervical cancer, but very few people infected with HPV will ever get cervical cancer.

—Elissa Mendenhall, Mothering