hormones

noun

UK /ˈhɔːməʊnz/

US /ˈhɔːrmoʊnz/

Tiny chemicals in your body that tell it what to do and how to grow.

When you feel sleepy at night, hormones help your body get ready for bed.

SYNONYMS

chemical messengers body chemicals signaling molecules regulators secretions

RELATED WORDS

glands bloodstream growth metabolism puberty

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Substances produced by plants that control their growth and development.

Plant hormones tell roots to grow downward and stems to grow upward.

3. Chemical substances used in medicine to treat certain health conditions.

The doctor prescribed hormones to help balance her thyroid.

4. Natural chemicals that influence mood, energy, and behavior.

Exercise can release hormones that make you feel happy.