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Glite Dictionary
autacoid

autacoid

1 9.9
A chemical the body makes that acts nearby and lasts only a short time
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːtəˌkɔɪd/
  • Specialized
: autacoide
  • Researchers studied the effects of an autacoid on local tissue inflammation.

Examples

  • Some autacoids act quickly and are rapidly broken down at the site of release.

  • Histamine is a well-known autacoid involved in allergic responses.

  • Histamine is an important autacoid in the immune response.

  • Many autacoids play a role in regulating blood pressure.

  • Histamine is an important autacoid that plays a crucial role in allergic reactions.

  • Prostaglandins are a type of autacoid involved in regulating inflammation and blood flow.

  • Serotonin acts as an autacoid in the body, influencing mood and digestive processes.

Synonyms

autocoid
vsautacoid
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A chemical the body makes that acts near where it is released

has identical meaning but uses the shorter spelling without that extra o

Surface Forms

autacoid singular
autacoids plural

Morphology

autacoid = autac + oid

The element 'autac-' is a technical combining form not found as a standalone English word and the meaning 'local physiologically active substance' cannot be derived by an average learner from the visible parts (e.g. '-oid').

Etymology

Autacoid comes from the Greek parts auto- meaning 'self' (as in automatic) and -oid meaning 'like' or 'resembling'. So an autacoid is 'like' a self-made signal in the body, which helps you remember these are chemicals the body makes that act nearby and often only for a short time.