vasotocin

noun

va·​so·​to·​cin ˌvā-zə-ˈtō-sᵊn How to pronounce vasotocin (audio)
: a polypeptide pituitary hormone of most vertebrates below mammals that has properties similar to oxytocin and vasopressin

Examples of vasotocin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In mammals, vasopressin and oxytocin play important roles in social behaviors, and reptiles have structurally similar hormones called vasotocin and mesotocin. Hannah Thomasy, New York Times, 24 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vasotocin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + (oxy)tocin

First Known Use

circa 1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vasotocin was circa 1963

Dictionary Entries Near vasotocin

Cite this Entry

“Vasotocin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasotocin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

vasotocin

noun
va·​so·​to·​cin ˌvā-zə-ˈtōs-ᵊn How to pronounce vasotocin (audio)
: a polypeptide pituitary hormone of most lower vertebrates that is held to have an antidiuretic function

More from Merriam-Webster on vasotocin

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