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oxytocin
[ ok-si-toh-suhn ]
noun
- Biochemistry. a polypeptide hormone, produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.
- Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, obtained from beef and hog pituitary glands or especially by synthesis, and used chiefly in obstetrics to induce labor and to control postnatal hemorrhage.
oxytocin
/ ˌɒksɪˈtəʊsɪn /
noun
- a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that stimulates contractions of the uterus or oviduct and ejection of milk in mammals; alphahypophame: used therapeutically for aiding childbirth. Formula: C 43 H 68 N 12 O 12 S 2 Compare vasopressin
oxytocin
/ ŏk′sĭ-tō′sĭn /
- A polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during childbirth and facilitates ejection of milk from the mammary glands.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of oxytocin1
First recorded in 1925–30; oxytoc(ic) + -in 2
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Example Sentences
When fathers hold and play with their children, oxytocin and prolactin kick in, priming them for bonding.
From The Daily Beast
Such effects can be traced, at least in part, to the way neglect affects signaling neurochemicals, like the hormone oxytocin.
From The Daily Beast
I think the most surprising thing to me was the oxytocin story.
From The Daily Beast
And the people with higher levels of oxytocin were more generous in the amounts they chose to return to the original investor.
From The Daily Beast
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