Meanings
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1
noun
a chemical messenger produced in one part of an organism and carried to other cells or tissues, where it regulates their activity
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose.
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2
noun
a synthetic substance with the same or a similar physiological action as a naturally produced hormone
The treatment supplies a hormone that the patient's body no longer produces adequately.
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3
noun
a signaling substance produced by a plant that regulates growth, development, or responses to the environment
Auxin is a plant hormone involved in directing stem growth toward light.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Coined in the early twentieth century from Greek hormon, 'setting in motion,' the present participle of horman, 'to urge on or excite.' The name emphasizes how a substance released in one tissue can activate or regulate activity elsewhere in an organism.