A substance or device that triggers, initiates, or increases the activity of something. In biochemistry, a molecule that enhances enzyme function.
From Latin activus 'active' + -ator suffix meaning 'one who does'. The biochemical sense developed in the early 20th century with advances in enzyme research.
In your body, enzyme activators can increase reaction rates by thousands of times, like molecular switches that turbocharge cellular processes. Some activators work by changing an enzyme's shape to make it more effective.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.