oxytocin

noun oxy·to·cin \ ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Definition of oxytocin

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

Recent Examples of oxytocin from the Web

In 2015, Marlin co-authored a study in the journal Nature on the effect oxytocin had on mice.

— National Geographic, "Is Maternal Instinct Only for Moms? Here's the Science.," 9 May 2018
Furthermore, only 50% of the cats studied produced any oxytocin at all.

— bridget mallon, ELLE Decor, "Who Loves Their Owners More: Cats Or Dogs?," 2 Feb. 2016
But for men and women, oxytocin levels rise and fall throughout the day, largely in response to such social cues as a baby's cry or the sight of one's dog.

— melissa healy, latimes.com, "Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?," 3 May 2018
In addition to dopamine itself, neurochemicals such as oxytocin can significantly alter the sense of reward and pleasure, especially in relationship to social interactions, by modulating these mesolimbic circuits.

— leslie henderson, Scientific American, "Why Our Brains See the World as "Us" versus "Them"," 22 June 2018
Our bodies secrete hormones like oxytocin on contact that reinforces the bond, to help us attach and connect,’’ Fortuna said.

— william wan, BostonGlobe.com, "What separation from parents does to children: ‘The effect is catastrophic’," 19 June 2018
At the same time, individuals may release dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin, which can help improve mood.

— Washington Post, "Doctors are taught early about patient histories. Is it time for different questions?," 28 Apr. 2018
In girls and women, the hormone oxytocin is powerful in promoting nurturing behavior and trust.

— melissa healy, latimes.com, "Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?," 3 May 2018
Often this is the female half of the equation, thanks to the release of a certain evil chemical called oxytocin that makes women feel warm and fuzzy and overly-bonded to our partner.

— author: wayne and wanda, Anchorage Daily News, "I told him I wasn’t interested in a relationship – but now I’ve fallen hard. How can I convince him to give us a shot?," 29 Apr. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of oxytocin

International Scientific Vocabulary, from oxytocic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1928

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

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