pheromone
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pheromone'
English Word: pheromone
Key Russian Translations:
- феромоны [fʲɪrɐˈmonɨ] - [Formal, Scientific, Plural]
Frequency: Low (This term is primarily used in scientific, academic, or technical contexts and is not common in everyday conversation.)
Difficulty: Advanced (C1) (Requires familiarity with biological terminology; suitable for intermediate to advanced learners with a background in science.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
феромоны: [fʲɪrɐˈmonɨ]
Note on феромоны: The stress falls on the third syllable ("mo-"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized 'f' sound (фʲ). Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Primary Meaning: A chemical substance produced and released by an animal, especially an insect or mammal, that affects the behavior or physiology of others of its species.
Translation(s) & Context:
- феромоны - Used in scientific discussions about animal communication, biology, and chemistry; appropriate in formal, academic, or research contexts.
Usage Examples:
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Животные используют феромоны для привлечения партнеров во время брачного сезона.
Animals use pheromones to attract mates during the mating season.
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В насекомых феромоны играют ключевую роль в организации социальных структур, таких как муравейники.
In insects, pheromones play a key role in organizing social structures, such as ant colonies.
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Учёные изучают, как феромоны влияют на поведение людей в повседневной жизни.
Scientists study how pheromones influence human behavior in everyday life.
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Феромоны могут использоваться в сельском хозяйстве для контроля вредителей без химических пестицидов.
Pheromones can be used in agriculture to control pests without chemical pesticides.
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В экспериментах с феромонами исследователи наблюдают за реакцией животных на синтетические аналоги.
In experiments with pheromones, researchers observe animal reactions to synthetic analogs.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
"Феромоны" is a masculine plural noun borrowed from English/Greek roots. It follows the standard patterns of Russian third-declension nouns but is often treated as indeclinable in modern usage due to its foreign origin. However, when declined, it adheres to the following rules:
Case | Singular (if applicable) | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | феромон (rarely used) | феромоны |
Genitive | феромона | феромонов |
Dative | феромону | феромонам |
Accusative | феромон | феромоны |
Instrumental | феромоном | феромонами |
Prepositional | феромоне | феромонах |
Note: In scientific texts, it is often left undeclined for simplicity, especially in plural form.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- аттрактанты (attractants) - Specifically for substances that attract, with a focus on behavioral responses.
- сигнальные вещества (signaling substances) - A broader term for chemical signals in biology.
- Antonyms:
- репелленты (repellents) - Substances that deter or repel, contrasting with the attractive nature of pheromones.
Related Phrases:
- Феромонные ловушки - Pheromone traps; used in pest control to lure and capture insects.
- Сигналы феромонов - Pheromone signals; refers to the communication method in animal behavior.
- Синтетические феромоны - Synthetic pheromones; artificial versions used in research or applications.
Usage Notes:
"Феромоны" is a direct loanword from English/Greek, primarily used in scientific and technical contexts. It corresponds closely to the English "pheromones" but is almost always plural in Russian. Be mindful of its formal register; avoid using it in casual conversation. When selecting translations, choose "феромоны" for general biological discussions, but consider context-specific synonyms like "аттрактанты" for attraction-focused topics. Grammatically, ensure proper declension in sentences, e.g., "изучение феромонов" (study of pheromones).
Common Errors:
Error: Mispronouncing as [fe-ruh-MOH-ny] instead of [fʲɪrɐˈmonɨ], ignoring the palatalized 'ф' and stress.
Correct: [fʲɪrɐˈmonɨ] – Practice with native audio to master the soft consonant.
Error: Using in singular form incorrectly, e.g., saying "феромон" when plural is expected.
Correct: Stick to "феромоны" in most contexts; example: Incorrect: "Этот феромон работает." Correct: "Эти феромоны работают."
Error: Confusing with "гормоны" (hormones), which are internal regulators, not external signals.
Correct: Differentiate by context; pheromones are for inter-organism communication.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian scientific literature, "феромоны" reflects the influence of Western biology, particularly from the mid-20th century. While not deeply tied to Russian cultural traditions, the concept is prominent in environmental and agricultural discussions, emphasizing Russia's focus on natural sciences and ecology. For instance, pheromone-based pest control aligns with sustainable practices promoted in Russian agriculture.
Related Concepts:
- гормоны (hormones)
- сигнальные молекулы (signaling molecules)
- аттрактанты (attractants)