ergogenic

[ ur-guh-jen-ik ]

adjective

1. improving or enhancing physical performance, especially in sports:

   Consuming electrolytes during exercise through sports drinks and other ergogenic aids may help a little.

noun

1. a substance that improves or enhances physical performance, especially in sports:

   One of the most popular ergogenics in the industry today is nitric oxide.

   Caffeine is a common ergogenic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ergogenic¹

First recorded in 1905–10; ergo- ¹( def ) + -genic ( def )

Example Sentences

During the sixth round, when spellers were asked to choose a definition or example of words given without a definition, Deetya Vuppala was asked to choose an activity that is ergogenic — intended to enhance physical performance, stamina, or recovery.

From Seattle Times

Deetya was given “ergogenic,” and Roy’s bid to become the first champion from The Bahamas ended when he was asked to define “rumbustical.”

From Seattle Times

Mr. Fitzgerald, from WADA, countered that Dr. Wagner’s anecdotal evidence fit the meaning of “ergogenic.”

From New York Times

Music can also have an "ergogenic" or work-enhancing effect.

From Salon

The International Olympic Committee’s acknowledgment last year that beet juice is a sports food with good scientific evidence to back it — along with other ergogenic aids, or endurance enhancing supplements, such as caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate — have only fueled beet juice enthusiasm.

From Washington Post