pregnenolone

noun

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pregnenolone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnenolone was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near pregnenolone

Cite this Entry

“Pregnenolone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnenolone. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pregnenolone

noun
preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈnen-ᵊl-ˌōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio)
: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

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