prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən How to pronounce prolactin (audio)
: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation

Examples of prolactin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s a range of treatments that can help reduce the prolactin and stop the milky discharge, including medication and surgery, and patients typically make a full recovery. Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 The body releases oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024 On the other hand, breastfeeding may help lower the risk of relapses by keeping estrogen levels lower and increasing prolactin. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 24 Sep. 2024 During pregnancy, prolactin causes your breasts to grow and produce mammary tissue in preparation for breastfeeding. Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolactin 

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

pro- entry 2 + lact- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prolactin was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near prolactin

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

prolactin

noun
pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən How to pronounce prolactin (audio)
: a protein hormone of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary gland that induces and maintains lactation in the postpartum mammalian female
abbreviation PRL

called also luteotropic hormone, luteotropin, mammotropin

More from Merriam-Webster on prolactin

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