erythropoietin

noun

eryth·​ro·​poi·​e·​tin i-ˌrith-rō-ˈpȯi-ə-tən 

: a glycoprotein hormone formed especially in the kidney and stimulating red blood cell formation

Examples of erythropoietin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Treatment for anemia may include blood transfusions or erythropoietin. Get regular physicals and eye exams as recommended for your age. — Christine L. Larsen, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

Jeptoo, whose 2014 triumph here was her third, ultimately was caught and banned for using blood-boosting erythropoietin. — John Powers, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Apr. 2023

In addition to other benefits, xenon is shown to boost the body’s production of erythropoietin, or EPO, which increases the body’s production of red blood cells. — Ben Ayers, Outside Online, 10 Apr. 2025

Seven decades later, researchers found actual erythropoietin after filtering 670 gallons of urine. — Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for erythropoietin

• chondroitin

Kids Definition

erythropoietin

noun

eryth·​ro·​poi·​e·​tin i-ˌrith-rō-ˈpȯi-ət-ən 

: a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation and is formed especially in the kidney

Medical Definition

erythropoietin

noun

eryth·​ro·​poi·​e·​tin -ˈpȯi-ət-ən 

: a hormonal substance that is formed especially in the kidney and stimulates red blood cell formation

—abbreviation EPO see epogen