4 syllables: Ei, co, sa, noids. Stress on co.
eye-KOH-suh-noydz
/aɪˈkoʊsənɔɪdz/
Eicosanoids is pronounced eye-KOH-suh-noydz (/aɪˈkoʊsənɔɪdz/). It has four syllables (Ei-co-sa-noids), with the stress on "co". Eicosanoids are a class of bioactive lipids derived from arachidonic acid that modulate inflammation, immunity, and other physiological processes. They are signaling molecules produced by almost all tissues and act locally near their site of synthesis. This term encompasses prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and related compounds, with diverse roles in health and disease.
nounEicosanoids are a class of bioactive lipids derived from arachidonic acid that modulate inflammation, immunity, and other physiological processes. They are signaling molecules produced by almost all tissues and act locally near their site of synthesis. This term encompasses prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and related compounds, with diverse roles in health and disease.
"Researchers measured the levels of eicosanoids in the inflammatory fluid."
"Arachidonic acid is the precursor to eicosanoids such as prostaglandins."
"Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit eicosanoid synthesis."
Phonetically: /ˌaɪkoʊsəˈnɔɪdz/ in US, /ˌeɪkəʊsəˈnɔɪdz/ in UK, and /ˌiːkəsəˈnaɪdz/ in Australian usage. Put stress on the third syllable after the prefix: ei-CO-sanoids. Start with the long 'eye' sound, then a soft 'cos' as in 'cosine', then the 'noid' ending like 'avoid' without the initial a. Mouth position: raise the tongue for /aɪ/ then relax for /koʊ/ or /koʊ/; nasalized ending with /nɔɪdz/.
Common errors: misplacing stress on the wrong syllable (often stressing the second or first), pronouncing /eɪ/ instead of /aɪ/ in the initial vowel, and truncating the final /dz/ to /d/. Correction: emphasize the /ˈnɔɪdz/ ending, keep the /koʊ/ before it, and preserve the /aɪ/ vowel in the first syllable. Practice with 3–4 slow repetitions to feel the natural rhythm: /ˌaɪ-ko-sə-ˈnaɪdz/.
US: /ˌaɪkoʊsəˈnɔɪdz/ with strong /oʊ/ in the second syllable. UK: /ˌeɪkəsəˈnɔɪdz/ featuring a fronted /eɪ/ in the first syllable and a non-rhotic 'r' absence. AU: /ˌiːkəˈsænoɪdz/ with a longer first vowel and a flatter /æ/ in the second syllable, and vowel reduction less pronounced. Aim for rhoticity only in US and note the vowel quality shifts between /oʊ/ and /ɔɪ/ sequences.
Two main challenges: a multi-syllabic length that blends a diphthong sequence (/koʊ/ or /koʊ/ then /sə/), and the final cluster /nɔɪdz/ which requires accurate lip rounding and tongue retraction to avoid /nɔɪd/ or /naɪdz/. The stress falls on the third syllable, which may surprise speakers. Break it into four parts: ei- co- sa- noids, then blend smoothly.
In fast speech or informal contexts, many say /ˌaɪkəˈnɔɪdz/ by merging /sə/ and /n/. You may also hear /ˌeɪkəˈnɔɪdz/ with a reduced first syllable. But for precise science communication, maintain the full four-syllable form with clear /koʊ/ and /nɔɪdz/ to avoid confusion with related terms.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Eicosanoids"!
The word eicosanoid comes from the Greek eikosi- meaning ‘twenty’ and -anoids from the suffix -oid meaning ‘like’ or ‘resembling’. The term was introduced to describe a broad family of oxygenated fatty acids derived from arachidonic acid, a 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid. The concept emerged in the mid-20th century as scientists linked certain lipid mediators to inflammatory responses. Early research distinguished prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes as distinct but related classes of eicosanoids. Over time, the term broadened to include other 20-carbon lipid mediators produced via cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 pathways. First widely cited in scholarly articles during the 1960s–1970s, eicosanoids are now recognized as a central node in cellular signaling, with synthesis triggered by cell activation and functioning as local, autocrine or paracrine messengers rather than circulating hormones. The name encapsulates both the 20-carbon origin and their lipid-derived, reminder-like signaling role in inflammation and homeostasis.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Eicosanoids" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Eicosanoids" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Eicosanoids" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Eicosanoids"
-oid sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
