What does pheromone mean?
A pheromone is a chemical signal released by an organism to influence another organism of the same species. Unlike a hormone, which primarily transmits messages within an individual, a pheromone carries information between individuals, often through air, water, or contact with a surface. These signals can guide mates toward one another, identify territory, recruit workers, warn of danger, or help coordinate collective behavior. Pheromones are especially well documented in insects, but they also occur in mammals, fish, reptiles, plants, and microorganisms. The word has also entered informal discussion as a metaphor for powerful or subtle influences on people’s behavior, although this extension should not be taken literally. In scientific contexts, a pheromone is understood as a measurable biochemical signal with a biological effect, rather than merely any attractive scent or aroma.
nounA chemical signal released by an organism that influences the behavior or physiology of another organism of the same species. Pheromones can attract mates, mark territory, trigger alarm responses, or coordinate social behavior.
- A chemical substance released by an organism that causes a specific response in another organism of the same species.
"The female moth releases a pheromone that guides males toward her."
"Ants use pheromone trails to communicate the location of food."
"The study of pheromones has revealed sophisticated forms of communication in insects and other animals."
The plural is standard when referring to multiple signaling chemicals, especially when discussing the range of signals used by an organism.
"Different pheromones influence mating, territorial behavior, and alarm responses."
From the Greek pherein, meaning “to bear,” the name evokes a chemical messenger that carries a signal through the air or another environmental medium.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pheromone come from?
The term was coined in the mid-20th century from Greek pherein, meaning “to carry” or “to bear,” combined with a suffix associated with hormones. Its formation reflects the idea of a chemical substance that carries a signal from one organism to another. The related word hormone comes from a different Greek root associated with stirring or stimulating, but both words describe chemical messengers involved in biological regulation.
How pheromone is actually used
The term is primarily technical and is most often used in biology, ecology, and chemistry. In general usage, it can refer metaphorically to a subtle social or emotional influence, but that use is informal and extended.
Easily confused with pheromone
A pheromone is a chemical signal that acts between individuals, usually of the same species, whereas a hormone generally carries signals within an organism.