testosterone

American  

[tes-tos-tuh-rohn] / tɛsˈtɒs təˌroʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. the sex hormone C 19 H 28 O 2 , secreted by the testes, that stimulates the development of male sexual organs, secondary sexual traits, and sperm.

2. Pharmacology. a commercially prepared form of the sex hormone C 19 H 28 O 2 , originally isolated from bull's testes and now also produced synthetically, used in medicine chiefly for treatment of testosterone deficiency and for certain gynecological conditions.

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testosterone British  

/ tɛˈstɒstəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. a potent steroid hormone secreted mainly by the testes. It can be extracted from the testes of animals or synthesized and used to treat androgen deficiency or promote anabolism. Formula: C 19 H 28 O 2

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testosterone Scientific  

/ tĕs-tŏs′tə-rōn′ /

1. A steroid hormone that is the most potent naturally occurring androgen and that regulates the development of the male reproductive system and male secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is produced mainly in the testes and is also used as a drug in the treatment of certain medical disorders. Chemical formula: C ₁₉ H ₂₈ O ₂ .

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testosterone Cultural  

1. A male hormone that governs secondary sex characteristics. It is produced in the testes.

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Etymology

Origin of testosterone

First recorded in 1930–35; testo- (combining form of testis ) + ster(ol) + -one

Explanation

Testosterone is a hormone made in the testes in males and in the ovaries in females. Testosterone is generally found in greater amounts in males, where it aids in the development of the male sex organs and sperm. The word testosterone was coined in the 1930s. It is based on the Latin word testis, which means testicle, and the word sterol, meaning steroid. Because it is the hormone that develops male characteristics, the word testosterone sometimes refers to the quality of being male. A room crowded with men watching football is commonly described as being "full of testosterone."

Example Sentences

This jibes with the challenge hypothesis, which says, in multiple species, testosterone levels rise when males battle for attention from potential mates and go down when it’s time to take care of the young.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

But studies show more testosterone isn’t always better.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The agency also sought to get testosterone therapy to more cis men in order to help boost their libido.

From Salon • May 13, 2026

She said she’s overheard her son and his friends teasing each other about things like high cortisol and high testosterone.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The Box had the highest testosterone level in the prison, and somehow smelled like it—close, musty, with an acrid whiff of perspiration.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover