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estrogen
noun
es·tro·gen
ˈe-strə-jən
: any of various natural steroids (such as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also
: any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens
Examples of estrogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition, Frostrup also spoke of her mother, who suffers from dementia, and her mother-in-law, who has osteoporosis—both conditions linked to estrogen decline.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 1 Nov. 2024
The estrogen change during perimenopause also can lead to the redistribution of more body fat around the midsection.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
My breast cancer was an estrogen receptor ductal carcinoma.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 23 Oct. 2024
Also, some studies have suggested that estrogen boosts immunity while testosterone suppresses it.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Note: The word estrogen was originally a U.S. brand name for an extract of glandular tissue used in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction. Its producer, Parke, Davis and Company, relinquished rights to the name in 1936.
First Known Use
1927, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing estrogen
Dictionary Entries Near estrogen
Cite this Entry
“Estrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrogen. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
estrogen
noun
es·tro·gen
ˈes-trə-jən
: a substance that tends to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics in the female and promote the growth and normal functioning of the female reproductive system
estrogenic
adjective
ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik
Medical Definition
estrogen
noun
es·tro·gen
ˈes-trə-jən
variants
or chiefly British oestrogen
: any of various natural steroids (as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also
: any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens
More from Merriam-Webster on estrogen
Nglish: Translation of estrogen for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of estrogen for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about estrogen
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