autacoid

noun

au·​ta·​coid ˈȯ-tə-ˌkȯid How to pronounce autacoid (audio)
: a physiologically active substance (such as serotonin, bradykinin, or angiotensin) that is produced by the body and typically has a localized effect of brief duration

Word History

Etymology

aut- + Greek ákos "cure, remedy, relief" + -oid entry 1 — more at panacea

Note: The term was introduced by the English physiologist Edward Albert Schäfer (Sharpey-Schäfer, 1850-1935) in "A Proposed Classification of Hormones," XVIIth International Congress of Medicine, London: 1913, Section II, Physiology, Part II (London: 1914), p. 21: "It is, however, advisable to have an expression which will include both hormones and chalones—both excitory [causing excitement, stimulating] and inhibitory principles. The one quality which distinguishes these principles is their drug-like effect upon the organs and tissues …A convenient Greek derivative to denote this quality is 'acoid' (from ἄκος, a remedy, as in the word panacea), and to further denote that these principles are formed within and by the body, i.e. are natural, we may employ the prefix 'aut-' (Gr. αυτός). We thus get the complete expression autacoid substance to denote any drug-like principle which is produced in or can be extracted from the internally secreting organs …."

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autacoid was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near autacoid

ausubo

autacoid

autallotriomorphic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Autacoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autacoid. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

autacoid

noun
au·​ta·​coid ˈȯt-ə-ˌkȯid How to pronounce autacoid (audio)
: a physiologically active substance (as a serotonin, bradykinin, or angiotensin) that is produced by the body and typically has a localized effect of brief duration
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