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

This may happen due to hormonal issues, such as low progesterone, or problems with the way your endometrium (uterine lining) responds to progesterone. —Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 8 July 2025

The body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite and pain, interacts with the endocrine system, which produces and balances hormones like estrogen and progesterone. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 June 2025

Ovulation releases the hormone progesterone, which keeps the uterine lining from building up, Dr. Schon explains. —Ashley Abramson, SELF, 7 May 2025

Weekly doses of the hormone progesterone, cervical cerclage, and in some cases, a transabdominal cerclage are offered. —Essence, 11 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