progesterone

[ proh-jes-tuh-rohn ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a hormone, C 2 1 H 3 0 O 2 , that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
2. 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

/ prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. 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 Also calledcorpus luteum hormone

progesterone

/ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ /

1. 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of progesterone¹

C20: from pro- ¹+ ge ( station ) + ster ( ol ) + -one

Example Sentences

Estrogen—and the hormone progesterone, to a lesser extent—is believed to be involved in the body’s immune response and may limit inflammation, he says.

From Time

Triple negative cancer lacks the molecular flags—for estrogen, progesterone or HER2—that common breast cancer drugs target.

From Time

Meanwhile, experts and activists made the connection between progesterone and birth control, because progesterone prevents ovulation during pregnancy.

From Science News

Djerassi and Syntex director George Rosenkranz wanted a progesterone pill.

From Science News

The “female” hormones estrogen and progesterone, along with others, were directing the orchestra.

From Washington Post

Other uteri, tainted by low, regular doses of progesterone and/or witchcraft, become evil.

From The Daily Beast

Turns out, she was just putting on too much progesterone cream.

From The Daily Beast

"For three months she had to take huge progesterone shots in her back every day," Mindy said of Gina's ordeal.

From The Daily Beast