oxytocin

[ok-si-toh-suhn]

noun

1. Biochemistry.,  a polypeptide hormone, produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.

2. Pharmacology.,  a commercial form of this substance, obtained from beef and hog pituitary glands or especially by synthesis, and used chiefly in obstetrics to induce labor and to control postnatal hemorrhage.

oxytocin

/ ˌɒksɪˈtəʊsɪn /

noun

1. a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that stimulates contractions of the uterus or oviduct and ejection of milk in mammals; alphahypophame: used therapeutically for aiding childbirth. Formula: C 43 H 68 N 12 O 12 S 2 Compare vasopressin

oxytocin

1. A polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during childbirth and facilitates ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxytocin¹

First recorded in 1925–30; oxytoc(ic) + -in ²

Example Sentences

Combining low doses of the drug tirzepatide, a "dual agonist" that works, in part, by activating GLP-1 receptors, with the hormone oxytocin results in weight loss without gastrointestinal side effects in obese rats.

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“Techno can promote oxytocin and boost endorphins. It can encourage joy and play and really support brain development, emotional regulation and really enhance the parent-child bond as well.”

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"Your serotonin levels, which is your feel-good hormone, are boosted and so is your oxytocin level, which is your love and bonding hormone," she says.

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The team believes pro-social hormones triggered by the drug - such as oxytocin, which helps promote bonding - helped reduce fear and boost feelings of camaraderie between those fleeing the attack.

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Infants whose mothers regularly use language to describe what their child is thinking or feeling, have higher levels of the hormone oxytocin, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

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