angiotensin
Americannoun
noun
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Any of three polypeptide hormones that function in the body in controlling arterial pressure. The most important is known as angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor that stimulates steroid production by the adrenal glands, reduces fluid loss from the kidneys, and also functions as a neurotransmitter. Angiotensin II is formed from inactive angiotensin I by the action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (or ACE).
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See also ACE inhibitor renin
Etymology
Origin of angiotensin
1960–65; probably blend of angiotonin + hypertensin , earlier names for the substances
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In some human studies, the data suggest that the angiotensin receptor inhibitors may be more beneficial to cognitive health than other drugs that lower blood pressure," Dr. Iadecola said.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 24, 2025
ACE2's normal function in the body is to help regulate blood pressure; it cuts a protein called angiotensin II to make a derivative protein called angiotensin 1-7.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2024
Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure, while angiotensin 1-7 relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2024
Renin acts on angiotensin to form ACE and angiotensin II, which then stimulates the release of aldosterone and ADH.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Renin, which is secreted by part of the juxtaglomerular complex, acts on angiotensin to form angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II and ADH by ACE.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.