progesterone

[ proh-jes-tuh-rohn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Biochemistry. a hormone, C 2 1 H 3 0 O 2 , that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from the corpus luteum of pregnant sows or synthesized: used in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, threatened or recurrent abortion, etc.

progesterone

/ prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn /

noun

a steroid hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 2 Also calledcorpus luteum hormone

progesterone

/ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ /

A steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands. The main sources of progesterone are the ovary and the placenta. Chemical formula: C 21 H 30 O 2 .

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Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

1930–35; blend of progestin and luteosterone (< German Luteosteron, synonymous with progestin, equivalent to Luteo- luteo- (representing corpus luteum ) + -steron ( sterol, -one ))

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Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

C20: from pro- ¹+ ge ( station ) + ster ( ol ) + -one

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Example Sentences

Other uteri, tainted by low, regular doses of progesterone and/or witchcraft, become evil.

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Turns out, she was just putting on too much progesterone cream.

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"For three months she had to take huge progesterone shots in her back every day," Mindy said of Gina's ordeal.

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progestational progestin

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