renin

noun

re·​nin ˈrē-nən  ˈre- 

: a proteolytic enzyme of the kidney that plays a major role in the release of angiotensin

Examples of renin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

High glucose levels also prod the kidneys to release more of the hormone renin, which sets off a hormonal cascade critical to controlling blood pressure and maintaining healthy electrolyte levels. — Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

The latter is for medicines that block the B1 receptors found in the heart, which when activated, focus on elevated heart rate, increasing pumping force and releasing a kidney enzyme called renin. — Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

The kidneys respond by secreting a substance, renin, which starts a cascade (the renin-angiotensin system) that causes the blood pressure to go up. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 8 Sep. 2023

Over the next 15 years, investigations by several groups showed that renin itself did not affect blood vessels, but rather activated a blood protein called angiotensinogen, making angiotensin. — Mark C. Fishman, STAT, 7 May 2018

One of the ways the body exerts this control is with a hormone called renin, which makes blood vessels narrower when the pressure needs to be kept up. — Quanta Magazine, 30 Nov. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Latin renes

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for renin

• carrageenan
• pangasinan
• catenin

Medical Definition

renin

noun

re·​nin

ˈrē-nən also ˈren-ən

: a proteolytic enzyme of the blood that is produced and secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney and hydrolyzes angiotensinogen to angiotensin I