Definition of oxytocin
: a pituitary octapeptide hormone C43H66N12O12S2 that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk
Explore Merriam-Webster
Recent Examples of oxytocin from the Web
-
Less stress, more relaxation and a boost of oxytocin (the love hormone) lead to a happier you.
-
Once again, our friend dopamine is part of the mix, regulated by oxytocin.
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
Medical Dictionary
oxytocin
playMedical 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
Learn More about oxytocin
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oxytocin
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up oxytocin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!