Agency Dictionary
melatonin
nounPronunciation: /ˌmel.əˈtoʊ.nɪn/
In Portuguese: melatonina
Science & HealthWhat does “melatonin” mean?
A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle in response to darkness.
Etymology
A modern scientific coinage from Greek melas (black, dark) and an element related to serotonin, with the chemical suffix -in. The hormone was named in the 20th century after it was found to influence skin pigmentation in amphibians. The mela- prefix reflects the Greek word for dark pigment, the same root seen in melanin and melancholy.
Word family
- melanin
- melancholy
- melanoma
Usage examples
You will lack the opportunity of exploring your pineal gland which is the organ responsible for the control of the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness by secreting melatonin.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Equationnoun
- A complex statement or problem involving balancing multiple interdependent factors, variables, or meanings.
- Astronautnoun
- A person trained and equipped to travel and operate beyond the atmosphere of the Earth. In space exploration, astronauts perform scientific experiments and navigate spacecraft under extreme conditions.
- Decompositionnoun
- The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
- eppur si muoveother
- An Italian phrase meaning and yet it moves. It is used to affirm that a fact remains true no matter who denies it.
- Pollinationnoun
- The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
- Regenerativeadjective
- Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
- Anesthetizeverb
- To administer an anesthetic to eliminate physical feeling, or figuratively to numb emotional or critical awareness.
- Biomenoun
- A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat defined by climate and soil.
- caffeinenoun
- A naturally occurring central nervous system stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods.
- cannabisnoun
- A genus of flowering plants cultivated for industrial fiber, wellness oils, and medicinal applications.
- catalystnoun
- A substance or factor that accelerates a chemical reaction or stimulates widespread systemic change without being consumed.
Also from these editions: terms
- syntheticadjective
- Produced by artificial or chemical synthesis rather than originating from natural or organic processes.
- androidnoun
- A robot or synthetic organism designed to possess human form, movement, or intelligent behavior.
- binaryadjective
- Relating to or composed of two things, specifically a computational numbering system using base two digits.
- constructnoun
- A complex idea, mental framework, or artificial system deliberately built from simpler elements.
- dystopianoun
- An imagined state or society characterized by pervasive human suffering, totalitarian rule, or ecological ruin.
- Epiphanynoun
- A moment of sudden and profound intuitive comprehension, clarity, or essential insight.
- esportsnoun
- Organized, competitive video gaming played at professional levels before audiences both online and in stadiums.
- gamifiedadjective
- Modified by the addition of game elements, challenges, and reward structures to encourage participation.
- pinealadjective
- Relating to the pineal gland, a small endocrine organ in the brain that secretes melatonin.
- symbiosisnoun
- An interaction or close living relationship between two different organisms or systems, often mutually beneficial.
- transmediaadjective
- Relating to storytelling or branding that extends cohesively across multiple entertainment formats and platforms.
Also from these editions: concepts
- William GibsonWilliam Gibson is an American-Canadian writer of science fiction, author of the novel Neuromancer. In the Agency editorial, Issue.9 recommends Neuromancer in its…
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? is a book by Philip K. Dick. In Issue.9, the edition names it as the original story behind Blade Runner, the 1982 film that…
- Geralt of RiviaGeralt of Rivia is the monster hunter at the centre of The Witcher, the books by Andrzej Sapkowski and the video games made from them. In the Agency editorial he appears…
- Harrison FordHarrison Ford is an American actor, born in 1942, known for playing Han Solo in Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.4 Cinema, to…
- Henry JenkinsHenry Jenkins is an American media scholar, born in 1958, and the author of Convergence Culture. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.5 TV, as the person who first…
- KratosKratos is the protagonist of the God of War video game series. In the Agency editorial he appears once, in Issue.9, where the author lists the lives he lived inside…
- Philip K. DickPhilip K. Dick (1928 to 1982) was an American science fiction writer. Issue.9 names him once, in the section 9.3.4 Cinema, as the writer of the book Do Androids Dream of…
- Rick DeckardRick Deckard is the protagonist of the film Blade Runner, a detective and android hunter played by Harrison Ford. The Agency editorial names him once, in Issue.9, in the…
- WarriorsWarriors is a song by Imagine Dragons listed in the Chords music recommendation section of Issue.9. The edition presents the song with its title and band name, with no…
- Computer ArchitectureComputer architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computing system. It specifies how the central processing unit, memory modules…
- CyberpunkCyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction set in dystopian futures characterized by advanced technological systems juxtaposed with severe social decline. It interrogates…