enhancer

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

Updated on: 7 Apr 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

That’s five straight losses, one each to match the number of games Lopez has played since management moved to the player development/draft lottery ping-pong ball combination enhancer stage of the season.

— k.c. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Robin Lopez rolls with the flow as Bulls drop 5th straight," 24 Mar. 2018
The disorderly conduct charge carried a domestic abuse enhancer because of Longley's relationship with the man and their child, who was also present.

— bruce vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin woman who lost gun rights for a misdemeanor conviction can't withdraw plea," 8 Feb. 2018
What is expected of Gaga is her love for fashion and her ability to use it, quite literally, as a performance enhancer.

— laura brown, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Real Lady Gaga," 6 Sep. 2011
Irving was suspended the first four games last season for violating the NFL's ban on performance enhancers and missed the last four with a concussion.

— Houston Chronicle, "Cowboys offer 2nd-round tender at $2.9M to DE David Irving," 14 Mar. 2018
Hutchinson says sporting officials will soon have to reckon with the extent to which its a fair performance enhancer.

— nick pachelli, Esquire, "How Olympians Surpass the 'Limits' of Human Performance," 13 Feb. 2018
His positive test was for a drug of abuse and not a stimulant or performance enhancer.

— matt breen, Philly.com, "Phillies minor-leaguer Steve Geltz suspended for drug use," 10 Feb. 2018
Rather than just getting your food tipsy, think of alcohol as a flavor enhancer, similar to the role salt plays in a recipe.

— noelle carter, latimes.com, "How to spike your cooking game with hard liquor," 9 Feb. 2018
While mayo is commonly used in cold salads and sandwiches in the U.S., Koreans have enjoyed it as a ubiquitous sauce, dip and general flavor enhancer.

— NBC News, "For U.S. Olympians, Korean food may offer a taste of home," 23 Jan. 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.