estrogen

noun

es·​tro·​gen ˈe-strə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: any of various natural steroids (such as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (such as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens

Examples of estrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During menopause, your estrogen levels drop significantly. Wendy Wisner, Health, 20 June 2025 One drug, an aromatase inhibitor, reduces the amount of estrogen in the body. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2025 Due to a combination of biological advantages—such as protective effects of estrogen and stronger immune responses—and behavioral factors like lower rates of risky activities, better health-seeking habits, and less exposure to occupational hazards and violence, women live longer than men. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 And for another, the symptoms creatine may address—from brain fog to poor sleep—are super common among women, including in midlife, thanks to fluctuating levels of hormones like estrogen from month to month and especially entering the transition into menopause. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for estrogen

Word History

Etymology

estrus + -o- + -gen

Note: The word estrogen was originally a U.S. brand name for an extract of glandular tissue used in the treatment of ovarian dysfunction. Its producer, Parke, Davis and Company, relinquished rights to the name in 1936.

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of estrogen was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Estrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/estrogen. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
: a substance that tends to cause the development of secondary sex characteristics in the female and promote the growth and normal functioning of the female reproductive system
estrogenic
ˌes-trə-ˈjen-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

estrogen

noun
es·​tro·​gen ˈes-trə-jən How to pronounce estrogen (audio)
variants or chiefly British oestrogen
: any of various natural steroids (as estradiol) that are formed from androgen precursors, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries, placenta, adipose tissue, and testes, and that stimulate the development of female secondary sex characteristics and promote the growth and maintenance of the female reproductive system
also : any of various synthetic or semisynthetic steroids (as ethinyl estradiol) that mimic the physiological effect of natural estrogens
estrogen-like adjective
or estrogenlike
an estrogen-like compound
estrogen-like effects

More from Merriam-Webster on estrogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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