Main Entry: oxy·to·cin

Pronunciation: \-ˈtōs-^ən\

Function: noun

1 : an octapeptide hormone C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk—called also alpha-hypophamine
2 : a synthetic version of oxytocin used especially to initiate or increase uterine contractions (as in the induction of labor)—see pitocin