inducer

[ in-doo-ser, -dyoo- ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a substance that has the capability of activating genes within a cell.
2. Embryology. a part that influences differentiation of another part.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inducer¹

First recorded in 1545–55, for an earlier sense; induce + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Like most other concepts from the franchise, it’s a wince inducer.

From New York Times

About one-third reported lower levels of pain when the “pain reliever” was applied, whereas slightly more than half reported more pain when the “pain inducer” was applied.

From Science Magazine

Facebook The social network took a few months after launching its nostalgia inducer as “On This Day” in 2015 to add the ability to filter out people or dates.

From The Verge

Before bed, I take the anticonvulsant Gabapentin, a sleep inducer that dulls the shooting pains I feel.

From Washington Post

Turkey contains no more tryptophan than beef, eggs, fish or chicken, and tryptophan has a hard time getting past the blood-brain barrier, so it’s not an effective sleep inducer on its own.

From Washington Post