What does phytohormone mean?
A phytohormone is a chemical signaling compound produced by a plant. Like hormones in animals, these molecules are released in very small amounts and influence the activities of plant cells, even when they act far from the site where they are produced. Different phytohormones regulate particular aspects of plant life, including cell division, cell elongation, differentiation, dormancy, germination, flowering, fruit development, and responses to injury, drought, or other stresses. Auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, and ethylene are commonly classified as phytohormones. The term is primarily scientific and is especially common in botany, plant physiology, agriculture, and horticulture. It distinguishes plant-produced signaling molecules from nutrients taken up by the plant and from synthetic agricultural chemicals that may imitate their effects.
nounA chemical compound produced by a plant that acts as a signaling molecule, regulating one or more aspects of plant growth, development, or physiology. Phytohormones are not nutrients; they influence processes such as cell division, elongation, differentiation, dormancy, and responses to stress.
- A chemical compound produced by a plant that regulates plant growth, development, or physiological responses through chemical signaling.
"The phytohormone auxin helps coordinate cell elongation and the plant's response to light."
"Researchers used a phytohormone treatment to encourage the seedlings to develop stronger roots."
"Changes in phytohormone levels helped the plant respond to drought conditions."
The plural is used when referring to multiple plant signaling compounds.
"Different phytohormones coordinate several stages of plant development."
Plants communicate and coordinate their growth with tiny chemical messengers, using phytohormones to relay signals between cells and organs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phytohormone come from?
The word combines the combining form “phyto-,” derived from Greek phyton, meaning “plant,” with “hormone,” which comes from Greek hormaō, “to set in motion” or “to stimulate.” The prefix thus specifies the biological source of the signaling compound, while the second element identifies its regulatory function.
Related word forms
How phytohormone is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in plant biology, agriculture, horticulture, and related scientific fields. In those contexts, it is more precise than the broader term “plant hormone.”
Easily confused with phytohormone
A hormone is a general term for a signaling molecule produced by an organism, while a phytohormone is specifically a hormone produced by a plant.