pheromone
UK: ˈferəməʊn | US: ˈferəmoʊn
n. a chemical substance secreted by an animal that influences the behavior or physiology of others of the same species.
pheromone = phero<to carry> + mone<hormone>
- phero: From Greek pherein, meaning "to carry."
- mone: Shortened form of "hormone," from Greek hormon, meaning "to excite" or "to set in motion."
Etymology Origin:
The term "pheromone" was coined in 1959 by German biochemist Peter Karlson and Swiss entomologist Martin Lüscher. It blends Greek pherein (to carry) with "hormone," reflecting its function as a chemical messenger carried between organisms to trigger specific responses. The word elegantly captures the essence of biological communication through secreted chemicals.
Ants use pheromones to mark trails to food sources.
Female moths release pheromones to attract mates over long distances.
Scientists study pheromones to understand animal social behavior.
Synthetic pheromones are used in pest control to disrupt insect mating.
Some researchers hypothesize that humans may respond to subtle pheromonal signals.