ergogenic

[ur-guh-jen-ik]

adjective

1. improving or enhancing physical performance, especially in sports.

   Consuming electrolytes during exercise through sports drinks and other ergogenic aids may help a little.

noun

1. a substance that improves or enhances physical performance, especially in sports.

   One of the most popular ergogenics in the industry today is nitric oxide.

   Caffeine is a common ergogenic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ergogenic¹

First recorded in 1905–10; ergo- ¹ ( def. ) + -genic ( def. )

Example Sentences

During the sixth round, when spellers were asked to choose a definition or example of words given without a definition, Deetya Vuppala was asked to choose an activity that is ergogenic — intended to enhance physical performance, stamina, or recovery.

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Deetya was given “ergogenic,” and Roy’s bid to become the first champion from The Bahamas ended when he was asked to define “rumbustical.”

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Mr. Fitzgerald, from WADA, countered that Dr. Wagner’s anecdotal evidence fit the meaning of “ergogenic.”

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Music can also have an "ergogenic" or work-enhancing effect.

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The International Olympic Committee’s acknowledgment last year that beet juice is a sports food with good scientific evidence to back it — along with other ergogenic aids, or endurance enhancing supplements, such as caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate — have only fueled beet juice enthusiasm.

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