rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypheromoneChemical signal
noun

pheromone

FAIR-uh-mohn/ˈferəməʊn/

a chemical released by an organism that affects others of the same species

The ants follow a pheromone trail left by another worker.

A compact two-stage view of ant trail signaling: one worker deposits a chemical trail from its abdominal tip, then workers of the same species follow that otherwise unmarked route with their antennae lowered.
Etymology
pherGreekto carry
+omoneEnglishchemical regulator

The “carry” element combines with an ending taken from hormone, a chemical regulator. The coinage connects chemical regulation with a signal carried between animals of the same species.

In context

Nat Geo Animals1:23
her physical Allure is enhanced by a pheromone odor that travels on the the night air for many miles
A Marvelous Moth | Wild Thailand

More examples

  • A pheromone can influence the behavior of other members of the species.
  • The experiment measures the moths' response to a pheromone.
  • Researchers identify several pheromones used in communication.

Forms

pheromone · pheromones