estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: 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 Combination pills that contain progestin and estrogen work by preventing someone from ovulating, the Mayo Clinic explains. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 One is the combination birth control pill, which contains both estrogen and progestin. Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 An increase in discharge is super common during pregnancy, which is thanks to spiking estrogen and progesterone levels, says Dr. Arnold. Mara Santilli, SELF, 26 Jan. 2024 Pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women have different susceptibility to UTIs, and their estrogen receptor levels in the bladder differ, meaning that their mast cells could act differently, Kaul noted. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024 People who take birth control or other drugs containing estrogen may have to pause their medication to get an accurate reading. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 29 Feb. 2024 For example, research indicates that estrogen in women plays an important role in combating conditions such as heart disease. Colbi Edmonds Madeline Gray, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 Hot flashes have been linked to a greater risk of heart disease and cognitive decline, while the loss of estrogen during the menopause transition is a major risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024 In addition to their estrogen advantage, females have a greater proportion of type I muscle fibers relative to males. Sarah Lacy, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'estrogen.' 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

estrus + -o- + -gen

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of estrogen was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near estrogen

Cite this Entry

“Estrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrogen. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: 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
ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
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
estrogen-like adjective
or estrogenlike
an estrogen-like compound
estrogen-like effects

More from Merriam-Webster on estrogen

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