progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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 When a woman starts menstruating, her ovaries release estrogen and progesterone. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 19 Oct. 2024 Heavy periods are caused by the hormonal fluctuations that occur as the ovaries start producing less estrogen and progesterone. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2024 The exact cause of PMDD is unknown, but it may be linked to an abnormal reaction to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle that causes a serotonin deficiency in the brain. Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024 Oral Health During perimenopause and menopause, the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels can make gums more sensitive and lead to a decrease in saliva, which acts as a natural cleaner and protectant for the mouth. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for progesterone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'progesterone.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of progesterone was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near progesterone

Cite this Entry

“Progesterone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progesterone. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

progesterone

noun
pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on progesterone

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