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

Differences: Causes Diabetes insipidus is often caused by problems with a hormone called vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, or ADH). —Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Drinking alcohol triggers the hormone vasopressin, which regulates your body’s water and salt levels. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Attachment: The bonding stage During romantic love, several chemicals are at play, primarily oxytocin and vasopressin. —Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Your brain responds by secreting the hormone vasopressin. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 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