growth hormone

noun

1

: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth

also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropin

2

: growth regulator

Examples of growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It's often used to confirm that food was grown without toxic pesticides and chemicals, and doesn't have things like growth hormones or GMOs, in order to label it as organic food. —Nena Farrell, Wired News, 10 June 2025

Additionally, zinc improves the release of growth hormone and increases the body’s sensitivity to it.20 10. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Two reporters at Florida station WTVT alleged a violation when their employer failed to air reports on the use of synthetic bovine growth hormone by dairy farmers. —ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025

The gene for a growth hormone known as insulinlike growth factor-1 is a key determinant of a dog’s body size. —Emily Anthes, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for growth hormone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids Definition

growth hormone

noun

: a hormone in plants or animals that regulates growth

especially : one produced by the pituitary gland

Medical Definition

growth hormone

noun

: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth

also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropic hormone, somatotropin

see human growth hormone