pregnenolone

noun

preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈne-nə-ˌlōn 

: 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

First, there’s a rise in pregnenolone and progesterone. —Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 19 May 2022

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, 19 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pregnenolone

noun

preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈnen-ᵊl-ˌōn 

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