improver

[ im-proo-ver ]

noun

1. a person or thing that improves.
2. a substance or agent added to improve a food, especially as a preservative.

Word History and Origins

Origin of improver¹

First recorded in 1640–50; improve + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Badosa was overwhelmed by Qinwen Zheng, the 19-year-old rapid improver from China, 6-3, 6-2.

From Seattle Times

Today, it seems incredible that lead was ever used as a performance improver in car engines.

From The Guardian

Around two billion paper notes will be withdrawn and recycled to be used as a soil improver for agriculture.

From BBC

Now, when the £50,000 blocks are returned, the Bank uses a composting treatment, similar to that used in the treatment of food waste, to create a soil improver.

From BBC

Those who have worked with Ljungberg describe him as curious, cerebral, free-thinking: a quiet improver rather than a messianic genius, the sort of character who likes to tap into a player’s subconscious and discover what motivates them.

From The Guardian