vasopressin

noun

va·​so·​pres·​sin ˌvā-zō-ˈpre-sᵊn 

: a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland or obtained synthetically that increases blood pressure and decreases urine flow

called also antidiuretic hormone

Examples of vasopressin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hypothalamus pumps out the hormone vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to retain water rather than let it out as urine, and the SFO kicks off the thirst drive to direct the animal to drink. —Dan Samorodnitsky, Quanta Magazine, 11 Aug. 2025

This is because a decrease in blood volume due to a water deficiency can trigger the release of certain hormones (vasopressin or angiotensin).45 When the body is dehydrated, blood becomes thicker and more concentrated. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2025

The same oxytocin and vasopressin systems responsible for long-term romantic bonding in monogamous species are also activated in human relationships, with observable effects on neural regions like the anterior cingulate cortex, ventral pallidum and insula. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Diabetes insipidus is a problem with the kidneys, water balance, and the hormone vasopressin. —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from Vasopressin, a trademark

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasopressin

• cresson
• lessen
• lesson
• delicatessen

Medical Definition

vasopressin

noun

va·​so·​pres·​sin ˌvā-zō-ˈpres-ᵊn 

: a polypeptide hormone that is secreted together with oxytocin by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, is also obtained synthetically, and increases blood pressure and exerts an antidiuretic effect

called also antidiuretic hormone, beta-hypophamine

see arginine vasopressin, lysine vasopressin, pitressin