calcitonin

[ kal-si-toh-nin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a polypeptide hormone that participates in the regulation of calcium levels in vertebrates by inhibiting loss of calcium from bone to the blood.

calcitonin

/ ˌkælsɪˈtəʊnɪn /

noun

1. See parathyroid hormone
   a hormone secreted by the thyroid that inhibits the release of calcium from the skeleton and prevents a build-up of calcium in the blood Also calledthyrocalcitonin Compare parathyroid hormone

calcitonin

/ kăl′sĭ-tō′nĭn /

1. A peptide hormone secreted by the thyroid gland that stimulates bone formation and lowers blood calcium and phosphate levels.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calcitonin¹

First recorded in 1960–65; calci- + tone + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of calcitonin¹

C20: from calci- + ton ( ic ) + -in