oxytocin

noun

oxy·​to·​cin ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn 

: 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

Going back to Rin Tin Tin, critters like Bailey (A Dog’s Purpose), Enzo (Running in the Rain) and Marley (Marley and Me) have contributed their share of financial oxytocin at the box office. —Peter Bart, Deadline, 19 July 2024

Decades of research suggests that people have higher levels of pain-reducing endorphins and hormones like oxytocin and prolactin when interacting with animals, and that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. —Katie Camero, SELF, 9 July 2024

Oxytocin and Letdown The hormone oxytocin is associated with love and bonding. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 8 July 2024

Available oxytocin increases when a male rat bonds with his mate. —Brian Hare, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2020

Word History

Etymology

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."

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

oxytocin

noun

oxy·​to·​cin -ˈtōs-ᵊn 

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