calcitonin

American  

[kal-si-toh-nin] / ˌkæl sɪˈtoʊ nɪn /

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.

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calcitonin British  

/ ˌkælsɪˈtəʊnɪn /

noun

1. Also called: thyrocalcitonin.  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 Compare parathyroid hormone

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calcitonin Scientific  

/ kăl′sĭ-tō′nĭn /

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

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Etymology

Origin of calcitonin

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

Compare meaning

How does calcitonin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• calcitriol vs. calcitonin
• parathyroid hormone vs. calcitonin

Example Sentences

Interestingly, a similar increase was also observed in the levels of another stress neuropeptide closely related to PACAP, the calcitonin gene-related peptide, or CGRP.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2023

A third hormone, calcitonin, is produced by parafollicular cells of the thyroid either releasing hormones or inhibiting hormones.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Cells in thyroid gland sense calcium decrease causing calcitonin release and stimulating calcium absorption.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Option c is correct: the parathyroid hormone and calcitonin are the effectors; they alter the function of the kidneys and bones to maintain calcium homeostasis. 

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In contrast, elevated blood calcium levels inhibit secretion of PTH and trigger secretion of the thyroid hormone calcitonin.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013