calcitonin

noun

cal·​ci·​to·​nin ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən 

1

: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that lowers the level of calcium in the blood plasma

called also thyrocalcitonin

2

: a synthetic or recombinant form of calcitonin used to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Calcitonin administered by means of a nasal spray is an antiresorptive agent that has limited efficacy in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures and lacks efficacy in preventing hip fracture.

—Murray J. Favus

Word History

Etymology

calci- + -tonin (as in serotonin)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

calcitonin

noun

cal·​ci·​to·​nin ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən 

1

: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that tends to lower the level of calcium in the blood plasma

called also thyrocalcitonin

2

: a synthetic or recombinant form of calcitonin used to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Calcitonin administered by means of a nasal spray is an antiresorptive agent that has limited efficacy in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures and lacks efficacy in preventing hip fracture.

—Murray J. Favus, The New England Journal of Medicine