B2 adjective Neutral

hormone

/ˈhɔːr.moʊn/

A chemical substance produced in the body that acts as a messenger, regulating the activity of specific cells or organs. These substances are secreted by endocrine glands and are crucial for processes such as growth, metabolism, and mood regulation.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The doctor explained that my tiredness might be caused by a hormone imbalance.

The doctor explained that my tiredness might be caused by a hormone imbalance.

2

Recent clinical trials have analyzed the effects of synthetic growth hormone on bone density.

Recent clinical trials have analyzed the effects of synthetic growth hormone on bone density.

3

I think my hormones are just all over the place today, I can't stop crying!

I think my hormones are just all over the place today, I can't stop crying!

Word Family

Noun
hormone
Adverb
hormonally
Adjective
hormonal
Related
prohormone
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'Hormone' as a 'Home-Owner' who sends messages to different rooms (organs) of the house (the body) to make sure everything is running correctly.

Quick Quiz

Insulin is a vital ________ produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hormone

Examples

1

The doctor explained that my tiredness might be caused by a hormone imbalance.

everyday

The doctor explained that my tiredness might be caused by a hormone imbalance.

2

Recent clinical trials have analyzed the effects of synthetic growth hormone on bone density.

formal

Recent clinical trials have analyzed the effects of synthetic growth hormone on bone density.

3

I think my hormones are just all over the place today, I can't stop crying!

informal

I think my hormones are just all over the place today, I can't stop crying!

4

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to physiological stress.

academic

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to physiological stress.

5

The company is seeking FDA approval for its new hormone replacement therapy patch.

business

The company is seeking FDA approval for its new hormone replacement therapy patch.

Word Family

Noun
hormone
Adverb
hormonally
Adjective
hormonal
Related
prohormone

Common Collocations

hormone imbalance hormone imbalance
growth hormone growth hormone
hormone therapy hormone therapy
stress hormone stress hormone
hormone levels hormone levels

Common Phrases

raging hormones

a phrase used to describe the intense emotional changes in teenagers

hormone surge

a sudden increase in the levels of a particular hormone

hormone-free

food or animal products produced without added hormones

Often Confused With

hormone vs enzyme

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to distant organs, while enzymes are catalysts that speed up reactions in specific locations.

hormone vs pheromone

Hormones act within the body that produces them, whereas pheromones are secreted externally to affect other individuals of the same species.

📝

Usage Notes

While 'hormone' is a noun, it is frequently used as a noun adjunct (like an adjective) in medical terminology, such as in 'hormone treatment' or 'hormone receptor'. When describing a person's mood or physical state related to these chemicals, the adjective 'hormonal' is more appropriate.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'hormone' is a countable noun and should be used with an article or in the plural form. Additionally, avoid using 'hormone' as a direct adjective; use 'hormonal' for descriptions (e.g., 'a hormonal change' instead of 'a hormone change').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Hormone' as a 'Home-Owner' who sends messages to different rooms (organs) of the house (the body) to make sure everything is running correctly.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'hormon', which means 'setting in motion' or 'to urge on'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Often functions as a noun adjunct in medical contexts Plural: hormones
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western societies, 'hormones' are often colloquially invoked to explain the mood swings or behavioral changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

Quick Quiz

Insulin is a vital ________ produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hormone

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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