Definition of semiochemical in English:
semiochemical
noun ˌsiːmɪə(ʊ)ˈkɛmɪk(ə)lˌsemē-ōˈkemikəl
Biochemistry A pheromone or other chemical that conveys a signal from one organism to another so as to modify the behaviour of the recipient organism.
Example sentencesExamples
- They expected to confirm that grapefruit is highly attractive to the Mexican fruit fly, probably because a grapefruit gives off semiochemicals - a type of chemical signature that insects identify by smell.
- Combined with a juvenile-hormone-type insecticide, such a semiochemical could potentially be used as an effective control method of this mosquito as a disease vector.
- In particular, he is trying to determine whether genetically modified soybeans release the same semiochemicals as traditional soybean varieties to attract insects that parasitize stink bugs.
- The semiochemical is even strong enough to awaken lab sharks from tonic immobility, an induced, ‘death-feigning’ state during which researchers can go so far as to perform surgery without arousing the animal.
- Animals or even plants may emit different semiochemicals (including pheromones) which serve as sexual attractants, repellents to potential predators, or inducements to flight mode.
Origin
1970s: from Greek ēmeion 'sign' + chemical.