WordGarden.io
Back to search

enhancer

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɛnhˈɑːnsə/

US

  • /ɛnˈhænsər/

Description

This word is not about creating something brand new. It is about making something that is already there stronger, clearer, richer, or more noticeable. Think of a guitar player using an effects pedal: the pedal does not create the music, but it can make the sound deeper, sharper, or more powerful. In cooking, a little lemon juice can bring out the flavor of fish.

The word also appears in science. In genetics, an enhancer is not a gene itself. It is a section of DNA that helps increase the activity of a gene. So whether the topic is sound, food, or biology, the idea stays much the same: it helps something already present work better or stand out more.

Examples

  1. 1

    Hair care

    She uses a curl enhancer on humid days to keep her hair from going flat.

  2. 2

    Food additives

    This soup has no artificial flavor enhancers.

  3. 3

    Photo editing

    The app includes a photo enhancer for old, blurry pictures.

  4. 4

    Sports doping

    Several athletes were banned for using performance enhancers.

    • Phrase

      performance enhancers

      substances that improve athletic ability

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • enhancernoun

Forms

  • enhancerspluralnoun