activator

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   a substance or device that starts or speeds up a process or reaction

   Grammar: Use it as a countable noun: add an activator to the mixture; the activators are stored separately.

   Patterns

   • an activator of something
   • an activator for something
   • add an activator to something

   The glue comes in two tubes: the resin and a chemical activator that makes it set hard.

   Without an activator, the reaction happens too slowly to be useful in the factory.

   Researchers tested several activators to see which one made the enzyme work fastest.

2. 2nouncountablebiologyspecialist

   a protein or other molecule that turns on a gene or a cell process

   Grammar: Common in biology; often followed by of: an activator of transcription.

   Patterns

   • a gene activator
   • an activator of transcription
   • an activator protein

   This gene needs a specific activator before it can be copied into RNA.

   The scientists identified an activator that switches on the immune response.

   Mutations in the activator can leave the gene permanently switched off.

3. 3nouncountabletechnical

   a product added to a process to make it work or work better, such as a laundry booster

   Grammar: Often used in product names and instructions: add one capful of activator.

   Patterns

   • a laundry activator
   • add an activator to the wash
   • use an activator with something

   For heavily soiled clothes, add the activator along with your normal detergent.

   The kit includes a developer and an activator; mix them just before use.

   This activator is designed to boost the cleaning power of cold-water washes.

Word forms

Common combinations

chemical activator

A chemical activator was added to start the curing process.

gene activator

The gene activator binds to DNA and increases transcription.

add an activator

Add the activator slowly while stirring the mixture.

an activator of

This protein is an activator of cell division.

laundry activator

The laundry activator helps remove stains at low temperatures.

Synonyms and how they differ

catalyst

A catalyst speeds up a reaction but is not used up; an activator often starts or switches on a process and may be consumed or bound in it.

trigger

Trigger is a general word for anything that starts an event; activator is more technical and usually names a substance or molecule.

stimulant

Stimulant usually refers to something that increases activity in a living body or system; activator is broader and more technical.

Opposites

Word family

activate verb

to make something start working or reacting

activation noun

the act of starting something or making it active

active adjective

working, operating, or taking part

activity noun

the state of being busy or things that are happening

Commonly confused: activator or activator vs. activator protein?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “activator”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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