vasopressin
noun
\
Definition of vasopressin
: 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
Outside the brain, vasopressin helps regulate blood pressure and fluid retention. — Melissa Healy, latimes.com, "Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?," 3 May 2018 If vasopressin can be strongly linked to autism, it could be used to diagnose the condition earlier, gauge the effectiveness of treatment, or even become a direct drug target. — Laura Yan, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists May Have Found a Signpost for Autism in Monkeys," 6 May 2018 But the new study found that vasopressin levels, by contrast, remain stable over long periods. — Melissa Healy, latimes.com, "Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?," 3 May 2018 In his own research with rats and voles, vasopressin promoted some maternal behaviors. — Andrea Marks, Scientific American, "Why Some Mice Seem to Make Bad Parents," 1 July 2017 Those dogs that were more aggressive towards other dogs, however, had more vasopressin. — National Geographic, "Why Are Some Dogs More Aggressive?," 4 Oct. 2017 Block vasopressin and the male voles shifted back to their more peaceable selves. — National Geographic, "Why Are Some Dogs More Aggressive?," 4 Oct. 2017 Further experiments revealed vasopressin as the culprit. — National Geographic, "Why Are Some Dogs More Aggressive?," 4 Oct. 2017 Other research shows that social connection helps to shift the nervous system into a restful state and releases hormones that have anti-inflammatory properties, like oxytocin and vasopressin. — Brad Stulberg, The Cut, "How to Actually Get Some Rest for Once," 4 Oct. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vasopressin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for vasopressin
vasopressin
noun
\
Medical Definition of vasopressin
: 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
Comments on vasopressin
What made you want to look up vasopressin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
-
- Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz
A mythological/etymological mashup!
Take the quiz -
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Bee Cubed
Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.
Play the game
Share vasopressin
Resources for vasopressin