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

In one study in athletes, for example, growth hormone raised sprint capacity on a stationary bike by about 4 percent, and the effect disappeared after stopping the treatment. — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

That medication, called Palsonify, launched commercially last September to treat acromegaly, a disease in which the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, causing some bones, organs and other tissues to grow bigger. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

In both men and women, testosterone levels typically peak in the morning, while growth hormone levels peak at night during sleep. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026

The unforgettable fight was part of 2018's Andre the Giant, which looked back at the life of the wrestler, whose size was a result of gigantism caused by excess growth hormone. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026

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