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

But still, private equity can play a meaningful role in retirement portfolios – not only as a potential return enhancer, but also as a diversification tool that gives exposure to parts of the economy otherwise out of reach. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025

Castellano-Fonseca was also charged with five misdemeanor counts of child abuse and three violent-crime sentence enhancers. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2025

Creatine is a popular performance enhancer for athletes, known for helping muscles power through short bursts of activity. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

They can be made in a laboratory using substances extracted or derived from foods, additives, flavor enhancers or colorings. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 Aug. 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