ə̇nˈdəktə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: partly from induct + -or; partly probably from induction, after such pairs as English conduction : conductor
1. : one that inducts ; especially : a person who inducts another into an office or benefice
2.
a. : an inductance coil or reactor
b. : a mass of iron used in certain magnetic train-control devices
3. : a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction and that is used up during the reaction — distinguished from catalyst
4. : a substance capable under certain circumstances of inducing a specific type of development in embryonic or other undifferentiated tissue
chordamesoderm acts on embryonic ectoderm as an inductor of neural tissue
— compare competence 5