inducer

noun in·duc·er \ in-ˈdü-sər , -ˈdyü- \

Definition of inducer

: one that induces; especially : a substance that is capable of activating the transcription of a gene by combining with and inactivating a genetic repressor

Recent Examples of inducer from the Web

The diabolical table, purchased before our child was born, had been a sleek, hulking anxiety inducer for my wife and me ever since the kid had learned how to walk.

— dan harris, New York Times, "Dan Harris: The First Time I Rushed My Son to the E.R.," 19 Dec. 2017
That natural, delicious inducer is the Eggplant Parmigiana, priced at $13.50.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "This Georgia Restaurant Is Famous for Inducing Women’s Labor," 11 Aug. 2017
That natural, delicious inducer is the Eggplant Parmigiana, priced at $13.50.

— michelle darrisaw, Southern Living, "This Georgia Restaurant Is Famous for Inducing Women’s Labor," 11 Aug. 2017
The body starts producing melatonin, a natural sleep-inducer, about two hours before bedtime.

— andrea bartz, GQ, "How to Beat Jet Lag, Once and for All," 26 July 2017
Rather than over paying for a front-of-the-rotation starter, Luhnow signed groundball inducer Charlie Morton to a two-year, $14 million deal.

— patrick saunders, The Denver Post, "Indians, Red Sox and closers emerge as biggest hot stove winners," 3 Feb. 2017
In Polynesian-worthy shades of sea green, celedon and cantaloupe — as well as more a classic black option — the Tiki clutch is a conversation starter, an outfit maker and a vacation inducer all in one.

— kerry pieri, Harper's BAZAAR, "We're Obsessed: Tiki Time with Proenza Schouler," 10 Apr. 2012
Gone are the days of dismissing meat as a heart attack inducer or the unsophisticated grub of Middle America.

— zlati meyer, USA TODAY, "Beef is back on the grill and its sales are heating up, too," 3 July 2017

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

First Known Use of inducer

circa 1538

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

inducer

noun in·duc·er \ -ˈd(y)ü-sər \

medical Definition of inducer

: one that induces; specifically : a substance that is capable of activating the transcription of a gene by combining with and inactivating a genetic repressor