relaxin

re·lax·in

[ri-lak-sin]
noun Biochemistry, Pharmacology.
a polypeptide hormone produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy that causes the pelvic ligaments and cervix to relax during pregnancy and delivery.

Origin:
1925–30; relax + -in2

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Collins
World English Dictionary
relaxin (rɪˈlæksɪn) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a mammalian polypeptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during pregnancy, which relaxes the pelvic ligaments
2.  a preparation of this hormone, used to facilitate childbirth
 
[C20: from relax + -in]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Relaxin is always a great word to know.
So is zedonk. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

relaxin re·lax·in (rĭ-lāk'sĭn)
n.
A female hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that helps soften the cervix and relax the pelvic ligaments in childbirth.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

relaxin

a hormone produced by the ovaries during pregnancy that causes pelvic and cervical expansion and relaxation. It inhibits muscular contractions of the uterus that would cause natural abortion of the developing child, stimulates the growth of the glands in the breasts that are responsible for milk production, and increases the amount of water in the uterus. The hormone is found only in pregnant females, and its activities last only for 24 hours after birth.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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