Activator: meaning, definitions and examples

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activator

[ˈæktɪˌveɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

chemical reaction

A substance that initiates or speeds up a chemical reaction without itself being consumed in the reaction. Activators are commonly used in industry to increase the efficiency of chemical processes.

Synonyms

accelerator, catalyst, stimulant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
activator	Generally used in a scientific or technical context. It refers to a substance or device that starts a process or increases the activity of another substance or device. The enzyme acts as an activator in the chemical reaction. The software update includes a new activator for the program's security features.
catalyst	Commonly used in scientific contexts to describe a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed. It can also be used metaphorically in social, economic, or other contexts to describe something that causes change or action without being affected itself. The scientist added a catalyst to the reaction to produce the compound faster. The economic reforms served as a catalyst for growth in the region.
accelerator	Often used in contexts involving speed or progress, particularly in technology, business, and vehicles. It denotes something that increases speed or hastens development. He stepped on the accelerator to merge onto the highway. The business accelerator helped startups grow quickly by providing mentorship and resources.
stimulant	Primarily used in medical and health contexts to describe a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body. It often has a negative connotation when referring to substances that can be addictive. Caffeine is a common stimulant found in coffee and tea. Doctors warned against the overuse of stimulants because of potential health risks.

Examples of usage

The activator was added to the mixture to kickstart the reaction.
The activator increased the rate of the chemical reaction.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

A molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme. Activators play a crucial role in regulating metabolic pathways and cellular processes.

Synonyms

enhancer, stimulator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
activator	An activator is suitable for use when referring to something that initiates or starts a process, often in a biological or chemical context. The enzyme acts as an activator in the metabolic pathway This activator helps speed up the chemical reaction
stimulator	Stimulator is often used to describe something that raises activity, interest, or energy levels, and is commonly found in medical, fitness, and economic contexts. The doctor recommended a neural stimulator to help manage the patient's chronic pain Exercise acts as a natural stimulator for endorphin production
enhancer	Enhancer is best used to describe something that improves or amplifies the performance or effect of another thing, often in contexts related to technology, beauty, or sensory experiences. This software enhancer boosts the graphics performance of your computer The flavor enhancer made the dish taste amazing

Word

Description / Examples

activator

An activator is suitable for use when referring to something that initiates or starts a process, often in a biological or chemical context.

The enzyme acts as an activator in the metabolic pathway
This activator helps speed up the chemical reaction

stimulator

Stimulator is often used to describe something that raises activity, interest, or energy levels, and is commonly found in medical, fitness, and economic contexts.

The doctor recommended a neural stimulator to help manage the patient's chronic pain
Exercise acts as a natural stimulator for endorphin production

enhancer

Enhancer is best used to describe something that improves or amplifies the performance or effect of another thing, often in contexts related to technology, beauty, or sensory experiences.

This software enhancer boosts the graphics performance of your computer
The flavor enhancer made the dish taste amazing

Examples of usage

The activator binding to the enzyme triggered a cascade of reactions.
The enzyme's activity was enhanced by the presence of the activator.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

technology

A device or component that initiates a process or function. Activators are commonly used in electronic devices to start or control specific operations.

Synonyms

initiator, trigger.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
activator	Used in chemistry and biology to describe a substance that makes a chemical reaction or process start or speed up. The enzyme acts as an activator in the biochemical reaction
trigger	Used to describe something that causes an immediate reaction or start of an event, often with a negative or sudden connotation. The loud noise was the trigger for his anxiety attack
initiator	Used to describe a person or thing that begins a process, event, or change. Often has a positive connotation. He was the initiator of the new project

Word

Description / Examples

activator

Used in chemistry and biology to describe a substance that makes a chemical reaction or process start or speed up.

The enzyme acts as an activator in the biochemical reaction

trigger

Used to describe something that causes an immediate reaction or start of an event, often with a negative or sudden connotation.

The loud noise was the trigger for his anxiety attack

initiator

Used to describe a person or thing that begins a process, event, or change. Often has a positive connotation.

He was the initiator of the new project

Examples of usage

The remote control serves as an activator for the smart home system.
Pressing the button acts as the activator for the alarm system.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'activus,' meaning to act or do.
It was first used in the early 20th century, shifting from a general meaning to specific scientific contexts.
In chemical processes, these terms refer to agents that trigger or increase reactions.

Science

In biochemistry, activators are molecules that bind to enzymes and increase their activity.
They can be crucial in metabolic pathways, helping the body convert food into energy efficiently.
In genetics, an activator can enhance the expression of a gene by helping to initiate the transcription process.

Technology

In software development, an 'activator' may refer to a key or mechanism that unlocks features within a program.
The concept can be applied to hardware where certain components activate other devices or systems.
In vehicle technology, activators can be responsible for operations like starting engines or controlling various functions.

Education

In teaching, activators are methods used to stimulate prior knowledge or engage students' interest at the beginning of a lesson.
They're important for encouraging student participation and ensuring effective learning experiences.
Using activators helps create a dynamic classroom environment, prompting active rather than passive learning.

Health & Fitness

Certain physical activities can act as activators, kickstarting metabolism or preparing the body for further exercise.
Nutrition can also act as an activator when certain foods boost energy levels or support recovery.
In mental health, positive affirmations work as activators, triggering self-confidence and motivation.

Translations

Translations of the word "activator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ativador

🇮🇳 सक्रियकर्ता

🇩🇪 Aktivator

🇮🇩 aktivator

🇺🇦 активатор

🇵🇱 aktywator

🇯🇵 アクティベーター

🇫🇷 activateur

🇪🇸 activador

🇹🇷 aktivatör

🇰🇷 활성화제

🇸🇦 منشط

🇨🇿 aktivátor

🇸🇰 aktivátor

🇨🇳 激活剂

🇸🇮 aktivator

🇮🇸 virkjari

🇰🇿 активатор

🇬🇪 აქტივატორი

🇦🇿 aktivator

🇲🇽 activador

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,232, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
18229 overestimated
18230 tv
18231 overpowered
18232 activator
18233 boosting
18234 hectic
18235 detested
...