Definition of estrogen
: 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
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Recent Examples of estrogen from the Web
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The study is the first to focus specifically on the safety of pregnancy for women whose cancers are fueled by estrogen.
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The ovaries slow down their output of estrogen, progesterone, and androgens.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'estrogen'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of estrogen
New Latin estrus + International Scientific Vocabulary -o- + -gen
First Known Use: 1927
ESTROGEN Defined for English Language Learners
estrogen
playDefinition of estrogen for English Language Learners
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medical : a substance (called a hormone) that occurs naturally in women
Medical Dictionary
estrogen
playMedical Definition of estrogen
: 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
estrogen–like
orestrogenlike
\-ˌlīk\ play adjective an estrogen-like compound estrogen-like effectsLearn More about estrogen
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Spanish Central: Translation of 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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