modifier

[ mod-uh-fahy-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that modifies.
2. Grammar.
   1. a word, phrase, or sentence element that limits or qualifies the sense of another word, phrase, or element in the same construction.
   2. the immediate constituent of an endocentric construction that is not the head.

modifier

/ ˈmɒdɪˌfaɪə /

noun

1. Also calledqualifier grammar a word or phrase that qualifies the sense of another word; for example, the noun alarm is a modifier of clock in alarm clock and the phrase every day is an adverbial modifier of walks in he walks every day
2. a person or thing that modifies

modifier

1. A word or group of words that describes or limits a verb , noun , adjective , or adverb . Modifiers applied to nouns are adjectives. Modifiers applied to verbs or adjectives are adverbs. Those that are applied to adverbs themselves are also called adverbs.

Grammar Note

See dangling participle, misplaced modifier.

Word History and Origins

Origin of modifier¹

First recorded in 1575–85; modify + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He is concerned the severity modifier could make it harder to launch future cancer drugs.

From BBC

But Helen Knight, NICE’s director of medicines evaluation, argues that the severity modifier is working.

From BBC

They identified specific pseudogenes, such as cyclophilin A, profilin-1 and small ubiquitin-like modifier 2 protein, where stabilizing mutations occurred in regions crucial for binding to other molecules and other functions, suggesting a complex balance between protein stability and biological activity.

From Science Daily

Engineered bacteria can produce a plastic modifier that makes renewably sourced plastic more processable, more fracture resistant and highly biodegradable even in sea water.

From Science Daily

“Recycled is a positive modifier in most contexts but that isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to gold or silver,” she said.

From New York Times