oxytocin

noun

oxy·to·cin | \ ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn

Definition of oxytocin

: a pituitary octapeptide hormone C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk

Examples of oxytocin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Studies show interacting with any animal can reduce stress by boosting oxytocin, which is why they’re so often used in therapy. — Karina Bland, The Arizona Republic, "Among these misfit animals, there's peace and healing (and some cow hugging)," 19 Feb. 2021 In a previous study, Dr. Powell’s group had shown that owning a dog promotes the flow of oxytocin, a hormone that decreases our heart rate and fosters feelings of well-being and relaxation. — Susan Pinker, WSJ, "Do Dogs Really Make Us Happier?," 30 Dec. 2020 Stroking a pet, for example, releases oxytocin, the hormone involved in bonding and feeling safe. — Annie Vainshtein, SFChronicle.com, "Here’s what the election is doing to your brain," 5 Nov. 2020 Hug family members within your bubble — hugs promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps regulate stress — and make plans with friends to occupy your mind. — Katherine Cusumano, New York Times, "Don’t Give In to ‘Election Stress Disorder’," 31 Oct. 2020 As a result, your brain releases a chemical called oxytocin. — Hannah Malach, Good Housekeeping, "How Listening to Podcasts Can Benefit Your Brain," 22 Sep. 2020 Hugging, for instance, is associated with a rise in oxytocin, a hormone that encourages relaxation and lowers anxiety. — Lauren Bedosky, Outside Online, "Pocket This Anti-Stress Routine for Difficult Days," 20 Oct. 2020 There’s also evidence that oxytocin is involved in conception. — Sarah Graham, refinery29.com, "The Truth About Oxytocin AKA The Love Hormone," 16 Oct. 2020 Going through a photo album or even just remembering a good experience can release oxytocin. — Anne Saker, The Enquirer, "Coronavirus: Five things to know about ‘touch deprivation’ – and how to treat it," 15 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oxytocin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for oxytocin

oxytoc(ic) + -in entry 1

Note: According to Science News Letter, vol. 12, no. 341 (October 22, 1927), p. 259, the name was given after pituitary extracts were "obtained in purified form from a single gland by Dr. Oliver Kamm and associates working in the research laboratories of Parke Davis and Company at Detroit."

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Last Updated

3 Mar 2021

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“Oxytocin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxytocin. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for oxytocin

oxytocin

noun

oxy·to·cin | \ -ˈtōs-ᵊn

Medical Definition of oxytocin

1 : an octapeptide hormone C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk

— called also alpha-hypophamine

2 : a synthetic version of oxytocin used especially to initiate or increase uterine contractions (as in the induction of labor) — see pitocin