Definition

A type of organic substance that is produced in one part of a living organism and has a specific effect on another part of the organism, often acting like a hormone.

Example

Serotonin is an example of an autacoid that plays a role in regulating mood and digestion.

Conversation

Have you heard about autacoids? They play such interesting roles in our body.

Yeah, I read that they can affect things like blood pressure and pain.

Exactly! It's amazing how one little autacoid can have such a big impact.

For sure, it's like our body has its own little chemical messengers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autacoid is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "acoid" (derived from the Greek "akos", meaning remedy or cure). The word refers to substances that act as local hormones or mediators, essentially self-generated remedies within the body.

Memory Tip

Think of 'auto-' meaning self, and 'acoid' relating to a remedy. This helps you remember that an autacoid is a self-generated substance that acts as a remedy in the body.

Visually Confused Words