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pregnenolone

noun
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preg·​nen·​o·​lone | \ preg-ˈne-nə-ˌlōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio) \

Definition of pregnenolone

: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (such as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

Examples of pregnenolone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The authors were able to correct their rats’ behavioural and neurological abnormalities by dosing them with pregnenolone, a drug currently undergoing tests for the treatment of cannabis addiction, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder. — The Economist, "In rats, cannabis during pregnancy rewires the brains of offspring," 19 Oct. 2019

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

First Known Use of pregnenolone

1936, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pregnenolone

International Scientific Vocabulary pregnene (C21H34) + -ol entry 1 + -one

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Time Traveler for pregnenolone

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The first known use of pregnenolone was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Pregnenolone.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnenolone. Accessed 25 January 2020.

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More Definitions for pregnenolone

pregnenolone

noun
preg·​nen·​o·​lone | \ preg-ˈnen-ᵊl-ˌōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio) \

Medical Definition of pregnenolone

: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnenolone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pregnenolone

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