hormone

(HOR-mone) One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.

(hor'mohn) a substance formed in a type of organ in the body called a gland. The hormone is then carried to another organ or tissue where it has a specific effect.

A chemical that special cells in the body release to help other cells work. For example, insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas to help the body use glucose as energy.

A specific chemical, produced in one part of a plant or animal body, and transported to another part where, at low concentrations, it promotes, inhibits or quantitatively modifies a biological process.