modifier
UK: /ˈmɒd.ɪ.faɪ.ər/ | US: /ˈmɑː.də.faɪ.ər/
n. a word or phrase that describes or limits another word or group of words
n. a person or thing that makes partial or minor changes
n. (computing) a symbol or keyword that alters the behavior of a command
The word "modifier" traces back to Latin modificare ("to measure, limit, or adjust"), combining modus ("measure") and facere ("to make"). It entered English via Old French modifier, retaining the core idea of "adjusting" or "qualifying" something. The term evolved to specifically describe linguistic elements that alter or refine meaning (e.g., adjectives modifying nouns) and later expanded to computing contexts.
In "very cold weather," "very" acts as a modifier intensifying "cold."
The engineer used a software modifier to optimize the program's performance.
She added a modifier clause to the contract to clarify the terms.
Genetic modifiers can influence the severity of certain diseases.
The artist applied subtle modifiers to the painting’s color palette.