human growth hormone

noun

: the naturally occurring growth hormone of humans or a genetically engineered form that is used to treat children with growth hormone deficiencies and has been used especially by athletes to increase muscle mass

Examples of human growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include testosterone, human growth hormones, and stimulants such as adderall. — Ava Berger, NPR, 24 May 2026

The most bizarre recent case came from Italian rider Andrea Piccolo, who was stopped at an airport in 2024 on suspicion of transporting human growth hormone. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026

But collectively, the competitors were on some combination of 37 substances, including Adderall, beta-blockers, human growth hormone, and five forms of testosterone. — Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 25 May 2026

Among the 34 doping athletes who took part in the trial, 91% used testosterone or testosterone esters, 79% used human growth hormone, and 62% opted for stimulants such as Adderall. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for human growth hormone

• amiodarone
• corticosterone
• hydrocortisone
• phenylbutazone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone

Medical Definition

human growth hormone

noun

: the naturally occurring growth hormone of humans or a recombinant version that is used to treat children with growth hormone deficiencies and has been used especially by athletes to increase muscle mass

—abbreviation HGH see somatropin