What does pheromone mean?
A pheromone is a chemical substance that is secreted or excreted by an individual and received by another individual of the same species, often triggering a specific behavioral or physiological response. Pheromones play a crucial role in communication and social behavior among animals, influencing a range of behaviors from mating and territorial marking to alarm and trail-following. The study of pheromones has far-reaching implications for fields such as biology, ecology, and agriculture. By understanding how pheromones work, researchers can develop new methods for controlling pest populations and improving animal husbandry. The term 'pheromone' is widely used in scientific and academic writing, particularly in the context of animal behavior and biology.
nounA pheromone is a chemical substance secreted or excreted by an individual and received by another individual of the same species, often triggering a specific behavioral or physiological response. Pheromones play a crucial role in communication and social behavior among animals.
- A chemical substance used for communication among members of the same species.
- A substance that elicits a specific behavioral or physiological response in another individual of the same species.
"The female moth released pheromones to attract a male mate."
"The trail of pheromones left by the scout ant helped guide the rest of the colony to the food source."
"Pheromones play a key role in the mating rituals of many insect species."
The plural form 'pheromones' is used when referring to multiple types of pheromones or multiple instances of pheromone communication.
"The colony uses a variety of pheromones to communicate and coordinate their behavior."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pheromone
The term 'pheromone' was coined in 1959 by the French entomologist Pierre Barbette and the American biologist Martha L. Parsons. It is derived from the Greek words 'pherein,' meaning 'to carry,' and 'hormone,' meaning 'to excite.' The concept of pheromones was first introduced in the context of insect communication, and has since been expanded to include a wide range of chemical signals used by animals.
Usage notes
The term 'pheromone' is often used in the context of animal behavior and biology. It is a formal term and is commonly used in scientific and academic writing.