noun

hormone

/ˈhɔrmoʊn/ · say it: HOR·mohn

a chemical messenger regulating body functions

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) a chemical substance produced by the body that controls growth, development, mood, and other functions

2. (noun) a synthetic substance similar to a natural hormone, used in medicine or to treat health conditions

Examples

1. Hormones like insulin help control blood sugar levels.
2. Some athletes illegally use synthetic hormones to build muscle.

How to use hormone

Hormone is a scientific term commonly used in medical, biological, and health contexts to describe naturally occurring chemical regulators in the body, as well as synthetic versions used therapeutically. It is standard in both technical and general discourse and appears frequently in discussions of health, puberty, menopause, and medical treatment.

Common phrases

stress hormone
sex hormone
hormone levels
hormone replacement therapy
hormone therapy
reproductive hormones

Synonyms

chemical messenger · endocrine secretion · regulatory substance

Word family

hormonal (adjective) · hormonally (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse hormones with vitamins or minerals, or incorrectly treat 'hormone' as countable when referring to types of hormones (use 'hormone levels' or 'hormonal changes', not 'a hormone problem' without context).

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