auxins
|aux-ins|
/ˈɔːksɪn/
(auxin)
promote growth
Etymology
'auxin' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'auxinus', where the element 'aux-' came from Greek 'auxein' meaning 'to increase, to grow'.
'auxin' changed from New Latin 'auxinus', which in turn derives from Greek 'auxein' (to grow), and was coined in the early 20th century in English to name growth-promoting substances in plants.
Initially, it referred broadly to substances that promoted growth; over time it became the technical term for specific plant growth hormones (notably IAA and related compounds).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
any of a class of plant hormones that regulate growth and various developmental processes; especially compounds like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) that promote cell elongation and apical dominance.
Auxins regulate cell elongation, phototropism, and apical dominance in plants.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 04:12