booster

[ boo-ster ]

noun

1. a person or thing that boosts, especially an energetic and enthusiastic supporter.
2. Electricity. a device connected in series with a current for increasing or decreasing the nominal circuit voltage.
3. Railroads. any machine, device, phenomenon, etc., that helps to move a train, as a tailwind, downgrade, roller bearings, or especially a helper locomotive.
4. Military. an explosive more powerful than a primer, for ensuring the detonation of the main charge of a shell.
5. Rocketry.
   1. a rocket engine used as the principal source of thrust in the takeoff of a rocket or missile.
   2. the first stage containing this engine and its fuel supply, which may or may not be detached from the rocket when the fuel has been consumed.
6. Medicine/Medical. Also called booster dose,. a dose of an immunizing substance given to maintain or renew the effect of a previous one.
7. Pharmacology. a chemical compound, medicinal substance, or the like, that serves as a synergist.
8. a radio-frequency amplifier for connecting between a radio or television antenna and the receiving set to intensify the received signal.
9. an auxiliary pump, used in a pipeline or other system, to add to or maintain a prevailing amount of pressure or vacuum.
10. Slang. a shoplifter or petty thief.

booster

/ ˈbuːstə /

noun

1. a person or thing that supports, assists, or increases power or effectiveness
2. Also calledlaunch vehicle the first stage of a multistage rocket
3. radio television
   1. a radio-frequency amplifier connected between an aerial and a receiver to amplify weak incoming signals
   2. a radio-frequency amplifier that amplifies incoming signals, retransmitting them at higher power
4. another name for supercharger
5. short for booster dose
6. slang.
   a shoplifter

booster

/ bo̅o̅′stər /

1. An additional dose of an immunizing agent, such as a vaccine or toxoid, given at a time period of weeks to years after the initial dose to sustain the immune response elicited by the first dose. Tetanus, diphtheria, and measles vaccines are commonly given in booster doses.

Other Words From

• boost·er·ish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of booster¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; boost + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Thomas Kwan, 53, was posing as a community nurse giving a coronavirus booster jab when he injected Patrick O'Hara, 71, with a toxin in Newcastle in January.

From BBC

Even Trump's biggest booster, billionaire Elon Musk, agrees that Trump's plans would tank the U.S. economy, causing what, by Musk's own admission, sounds like a second Great Depression.

From Salon

It is more powerful than its SpaceX competitor, the Falcon 9, but that rocket has a fully reusable booster and flight costs starting at less than $70 million.

From Los Angeles Times

The soldiers were very protective of their colleague, she added, who served as a great morale booster.

From BBC

The former coach, Manuel Douglas, got caught up in an FBI and IRS investigation involving money donated by a booster for equipment, uniforms and travel expenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backer
• enthusiast
• patron
• promoter