enhancer

noun en·hanc·er \ in-ˈhan(t)-sər , en- \

|Updated on: 27 Jul 2018

Definition of enhancer

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

Recent Examples of enhancer from the Web

The elevated rate of oxygen delivery to working is a natural performance enhancer.

— sara angle, Outside Online, "Athletes, Stock Up on This Powerhouse Summer Produce," 22 June 2018
The researchers found 16 good candidates for the Sox9 enhancer.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "The little piece of DNA that makes girls boys," 14 June 2018
Brown knows from experience that dumping a deficit on a successor is not a legacy enhancer.

— george skelton, latimes.com, "Gov. Jerry Brown's parting gift to his successor: ship-shape state finances," 14 May 2018
There is a breakdown in the supply chain for the performance enhancers.

— dwight garner, New York Times, "Pedaling Uphill, on a Bike and in a Marriage," 18 June 2018
The 24-year-old Irving's four-game suspension to start last season was for violating league policy on performance enhancers.

— schuyler dixon, Houston Chronicle, "Cowboys DL David Irving banned 4 games for 2nd straight year," 15 June 2018
Carpal predicts an even broader impact of the enhancer-finding methods.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "The little piece of DNA that makes girls boys," 14 June 2018
Smith insists his longshot bid to win the state's highest office isn’t just another resume enhancer, the ultimate ego boost for a man who has already collected so many diverse experiences.

— daniela altimari, courant.com, "He Was In Sarajevo During The Siege And Kabul After 9/11. Now Guy Smith Wants to Be Governor.," 14 June 2018
Bakers recognize that adding vanilla to pastries and desserts acts as a flavor enhancer, but vanilla also brings out savory flavors.

— carole kotkin, miamiherald, "There's nothing vanilla about cooking with fragrant, homemade vanilla," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enhancer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.