progesterone

American

[proh-jes-tuh-rohn] / proʊˈdʒɛs təˌroʊn /

noun

Biochemistry. a hormone, C 2 1 H 3 0 O 2 , that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from the corpus luteum of pregnant sows or synthesized: used in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, threatened or recurrent abortion, etc.

progesterone British

/ prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn /

noun

Also called: corpus luteum hormone. a steroid hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 2

"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

progesterone Scientific

/ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ /

A steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands. The main sources of progesterone are the ovary and the placenta. Chemical formula: C ₂₁ H ₃₀ O ₂ .

Etymology

Origin of progesterone

1930–35; blend of progestin and luteosterone (< German Luteosteron, synonymous with progestin, equivalent to Luteo- luteo- (representing corpus luteum ) + -steron ( see sterol, -one))

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progestin vs. progesterone

Vocabulary lists containing progesterone

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mifepristone works by blocking a hormone called progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

A functional health doctor prescribed progesterone cream to help balance my hormones, another solution tailored to women experiencing menopause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

Hamilton points to research on female athletes that found higher rates of ligament injuries at certain points in the cycle, likely linked to progesterone and estrogen’s effects on connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

As progesterone levels fall near the end of pregnancy, PIEZO-driven calcium signals may help set labor in motion.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

No. 11 had 3,560 picograms of progesterone per milliliter, compared to 56 picograms per milliliter for Wolf No. 10, whose reproductive tract appeared immature.

From An Experimental Translocation of the Eastern Timber Wolf by Hook, Richard A.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023