pheromone

pher·o·mone

noun \ˈfer-ə-ˌmōn\

biology : a chemical substance that an animal or insect produces in order to attract other animals or insects and especially a mate

Full Definition of PHEROMONE

:  a chemical substance that is usually produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses

— pher·o·mon·al \ˌfer-ə-ˈmō-n^əl\ adjective

Origin of PHEROMONE

International Scientific Vocabulary phero- (from Greek pherein to carry) + -mone (as in hormone) — more at bear

First Known Use: 1959

pher·o·mone

noun \ˈfer-ə-ˌmōn\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PHEROMONE

: a chemical substance that is produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses—called also ectohormone

pheromone

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any chemical compound secreted by an organism in minute amounts to elicit a particular reaction from other organisms of the same species. Pheromones are widespread among insects and vertebrates (except birds) and are present in some fungi, slime molds, and algae. The chemicals may be secreted by special glands or incorporated into other substances (e.g., urine), shed freely, or deposited in selected locations. Pheromones are used to bring creatures together (e.g., in termite, bee, and ant colonies), lead them to food (e.g., in scent trails laid by ants), signal danger (e.g., when released by wounded fish to alert others), attract a mate and elicit sexual behaviour (numerous examples, possibly including humans), and influence sexual development (in many mammals and certain insects). Alarm pheromones often last a shorter time and travel a shorter distance than other types. In vertebrates, chemical stimuli often influence parent-young responses. Sex-attractant pheromones are used in certain products to lure and trap unwanted or harmful insects.