Degrader

/dɪˈɡreɪdər/ noun

Definition

A person or thing that causes something to lose quality, rank, or dignity; something that breaks down or reduces the value of something else.

Etymology

From degrade (Latin degradare: de- 'down' + gradus 'step') + -er (agent noun suffix). The suffix -er was added to the verb to create a noun describing the agent performing the degrading action.

Kelly Says

In biochemistry, 'protein degraders' are molecules being engineered to destroy cancer cells by targeting harmful proteins—it's a revolutionary cancer treatment based on this ancient word about stepping down.

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