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definitions

estrogen

[ es-truh-juh n ]
/ ˈɛs trə dʒən /
|

noun Biochemistry.

any of several major female sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of female mammals, capable of inducing estrus, developing and maintaining secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg: used, especially in synthetic form, as a component of oral contraceptives, in certain cancer treatments, and in other therapies.

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Nearby words

  1. estrela, serra da,
  2. estremadura,
  3. estrildid,
  4. estrin,
  5. estriol,
  6. estrogen replacement therapy,
  7. estrogenic,
  8. estrone,
  9. estrous,
  10. estrous cycle

Origin of estrogen

First recorded in 1925–30; estr(us) + -o- + -gen
Related formsan·ti·es·tro·gen, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for estrogen

British Dictionary definitions for estrogen

estrogen

/ (ˈɛstrədʒən, ˈiːstrə-) /

noun

the usual US spelling of oestrogen
Derived Formsestrogenic (ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˌiːstrə-), adjectiveestrogenically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for estrogen

estrogen

n.

coined 1927 from estrus + -gen. So called for the hormone's ability to produce estrus.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for estrogen

estrogen

n.

Any of several natural or synthetic substances formed by the ovary, placenta, testis, and certain plants, that stimulate the female secondary sex characteristics, exert systemic effects such as the growth and maturation of long bones, and are used to treat disorders due to estrogen deficiency and to ameliorate cancers of the breast and prostate.estrin
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for estrogen

estrogen

[ ĕs′trə-jən ]

Any of a group of steroid hormones that primarily regulate the growth, development, and function of the female reproductive system. The main sources of estrogen in the body are the ovaries and the placenta. Estrogen-like compounds are also formed by certain plants.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for estrogen

estrogen

[ (es-truh-juhn) ]

A group of hormones, secreted mainly by the ovaries, that influence the female reproductive system in many ways, notably in preparing the body for ovulation and in the development of female secondary sex characteristics.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.