noun

pheromone

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Pheromone (noun) means a chemical released by an animal that triggers a behavioral or physiological response in others of the same species. Example: “Ants use pheromones to mark trails to food.”

noun

A chemical released by an animal that triggers a behavioral or physiological response in others of the same species.

"Ants use pheromones to mark trails to food."

"Some moths can detect a mate's pheromones from miles away."

How to use pheromone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA scent-based chemical signal animals (and sometimes humans) give off that affects the behavior of others of their species.

Common pairings

release pheromones sex pheromone pheromone trail

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: pheromones

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Ants use _____ to mark trails to food.

Etymology

Coined by combining the Greek pherein ("to carry") with "hormone," describing a chemical signal carried between individuals rather than within one body.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for pheromone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for pheromone →

Frequently asked questions

What does “pheromone” mean?

The word “pheromone” means a chemical released by an animal that triggers a behavioral or physiological response in others of the same species. In plain terms, a scent-based chemical signal animals (and sometimes humans) give off that affects the behavior of others of their species.

How do you use “pheromone” in a sentence?

Here is “pheromone” used in a sentence: “Ants use pheromones to mark trails to food.”

What part of speech is “pheromone”?

“Pheromone” is a noun.

Where does the word “pheromone” come from?

The word “pheromone” comes from Greek. Coined by combining the Greek pherein ("to carry") with "hormone," describing a chemical signal carried between individuals rather than within one body.