Hormones Meaning and Definition
Hormones
Pronunciation
/ˈhɔrˌmaɪnz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A chemical substance produced by an endocrine gland or produced by cells of the body, often having a specific function or effect, such as growth, development, or regulation of metabolism.
Examples
- The doctor monitored the patient’s hormone levels to diagnose the underlying condition.
- Hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism and weight.
Synonyms
- Endocrine
- Chemical
Antonyms
- Enzyme
- Molecule
Etymology
The word “hormone” comes from the Greek word “hormē”, meaning “to set in motion”, as hormones were initially thought to be chemical messengers that initiated or regulated various bodily functions.
Usage Notes
When referring to hormones, it’s common to use the plural form, even when referring to a single hormone, as hormones are often produced and regulated by the body in complex systems.
Cultural References
Hormones have been a topic of interest in popular culture, with many movies and TV shows featuring storylines centered around hormonal changes, such as puberty or menopause.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Hormonal imbalance
Related Words or Phrases
- Endocrine glands
- Thyroid
- Adrenal glands
Collocations
- Hormone levels
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Hormone regulation
Frequency of Use
Hormones are a common topic of discussion in modern language, particularly in medical and scientific contexts, with estimates suggesting that the word is used over 100,000 times per year in published literature.
Common Misspellings
- Horrones
- Hormone’s