ˈhȯrˌmōn, ˈhȯ(ə)ˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek hormōn, present participle of horman to stir up, set in motion, from hormē impulse, attack, assault — more at serum
1. : a specific organic product of living cells that, transported by body fluids or sap, produces a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin : internal secretion : autacoid ; especially : such a product exerting a stimulatory or excitatory effect on a cellular activity — compare auxin , chalone , plant hormone
2. : a synthetic substance that resembles a naturally occurring hormone in producing a specific biological effect — compare growth , regulator