autacoid

[ aw-tuh-koid ]
/ ˈɔ təˌkɔɪd /

noun Physiology.

any physiologically active internal secretion, especially one of uncertain classification, as histamine or prostaglandin.

Origin of autacoid

1910–15; aut- + Greek ák(os) remedy + -oid

OTHER WORDS FROM autacoid

au·ta·coi·dal, adjective

Words nearby autacoid

austronesia, austronesian, aut, aut caesar, aut nihil, aut-, autacoid, autarch, autarchy, autarky, autecic, autecious

British Dictionary definitions for autacoid

autacoid
/ (ˈɔːtəˌkɔɪd) /

noun

physiol any natural internal secretion, esp one that exerts an effect similar to a drug

Word Origin for autacoid

C20: from auto- + Greek akos cure + -oid

Medical definitions for autacoid

autacoid

n.

An organic substance, such as a hormone, produced in one part of an organism and transported by the blood or lymph to another part of the organism where it exerts a physiologic effect on that part.