pheromone

[sardith]

Today, when I saw that you discussed aphrodisiac, it made me remember the word 'pheromone', and I really would like to know more about that one. I've seen documentaries about its various scientific properties, but curiosity about the word itself could be satisfied by Dr. Goodword, I'm convinced. Thanks.

[Slava]

An interesting word, now that I've looked more closely at it. It might be good to have both a linguistic and a scientific discussion of this one. (Not to say that linguistics isn't a science!)

[LukeJavan8]

I am interested. Hear it used all the time, but
understanding it is something else.

[Slava]

Oddly enough, it is well discussed in this week's New Yorker magazine's fiction piece.

http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/featur ... ion_wilson

Ants communicate via pheromones.

[sardith]

The process is just as primal in humans as well, though the perfume manufacturers would like you to think it more sophisticated.

[Slava]

...no pheromone receptors have yet been found in humans.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pheromone

Those perfume people have a great scam going, don't they? Almost as good as big pharma.

[LukeJavan8]

[quote="Slava"]Oddly enough, it is well discussed in this week's New Yorker magazine's fiction piece.

http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/featur ... ion_wilson

Ants communicate via pheromones.[/quote]


How totally interesting. I have my copy of New Yorker
sitting here on my desk and had not perused it as yet.
Will be reading that story tonight. Thanks for the
reference.