ghrelin

American  

[grel-in] / ˈgrɛl ɪn /

noun

Biochemistry

1. a peptide hormone, produced mostly in the stomach, that increases appetite by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone.

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ghrelin British  

/ ˈɡrɛlɪn /

noun

1. a hormone produced in the body that stimulates appetite

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Etymology

Origin of ghrelin

First recorded in 1995–2000; by shortening of g(rowth) h(ormone) ( def. ) + rel(easing factor) ( def. ) + -in ² ( def. ), with allusion to the Proto-Indo-European root and variants ghrē-, ghrō, ghrə-, “to grow, be green”; see grow ( def. ), green ( def. ), grass ( def. ), graze ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

That prompts the release of another hormone, ghrelin, that triggers feelings of hunger.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2024

Prior studies have shown that the hippocampus of animals, including non-human primates, has receptors for ghrelin, but there was scant evidence for how these receptors work.

From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2023

Also, a majority of the stomach that secretes ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is removed in sleeve gastrectomies.

From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2023

Both surgery and medications seem to depress the secretion of the hunger hormone ghrelin, leading to double-digit weight loss percentages.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 10, 2023

These urges can come back with a vengeance after being quieted down for so long in the form of the ghrelin hormone, which increases one's appetite.

From Salon • Aug. 21, 2023