What is "prehormone"

n. (context biochemistry English) A substance secreted by glandular tissue that has little or no significant biological activity, but is converted in peripheral tissues into an active hormone.

A prehormone is a biochemical substance secreted by glandular tissue and has minimal or no significant biological activity, but it is converted in peripheral tissues into an active hormone. Calcifediol is an example of prehormones which is produced by hydroxylation of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the liver.