progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn 

: a female steroid sex hormone C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus

also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action

Examples of progesterone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her breast cancer is hormone receptor positive, meaning the cancer cells can grow in response to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025

The first season—the menstrual phase, known as inner winter—refers to the days of bleeding when hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, are low and symptoms may include cramping, bloating, low energy levels, headaches skin blemishes and mood changes. —Hatty Willmoth, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

Systemic hormones: Oral medications, skin patches, and injections of estrogen or progesterone may help address broader menopause symptoms. —Brandi Jones, Health, 18 May 2025

So, Patel switched to a new doctor who prescribed low-dose hormone therapy in the form of an estrogen patch and progesterone pill. —Erica Sweeney, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of progestin and luteosterone (borrowed from German Luteosteron, from luteo- luteo- + -steron -sterone), both earlier names for progesterone

Note: The name resulted from a compromise between researchers associated with the earlier names, the American gynecologist Willard M. Allen and embryologist George Washington Corner, and the German biochemists Adolph Butenandt and Karl Heinrich Slotta. See W. M. Allen, A. Butenandt, G. W. Corner, and K. H. Slotta, "Nomenclature of Corpus Luteum Hormone," Nature, vol. 136, number 303 (September 1, 1935), p. 303.

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for progesterone

• aldosterone
• anticyclone
• testosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone

Kids Definition

progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn 

: a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and causes the uterus to change so that it provides a suitable environment for a fertilized egg

Medical Definition

progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn 

: a female steroid sex hormone C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus

also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action