autacoid

(ôtə ko̵id′)

noun

  1. hormone
  2. any of a group of natural biochemicals, as serotonin, angiotensin, or histamine, that activate changes in the blood, nerves, etc., similar to those caused by drugs

Origin: aut(o)- + Gr akos, cure, remedy + -oid

See autacoid in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also au·to·coid

noun
An organic substance, such as a hormone, produced in one part of an organism and transported by the blood, lymph, or sap to another part of the organism where it exerts a physiologic effect on that part.

Origin:

Origin: aut(o)-

Origin: + Greek akos, cure

Origin: + -oid

.

Related Forms:

  • auˌta·coiˈdal (-koidˈl) adjective

Learn more about autacoid

link/cite print suggestion box