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

The best-established inducer of cellular senescence is repeated cell division.

From Science Daily

A doctor researching mifepristone in the 1980s said the drug would prove useful “as a menses inducer for women who are late with their periods.”

From Slate

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