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prolactin

American  
[proh-lak-tin] / proʊˈlæk tɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.
  1. an anterior pituitary polypeptide hormone that stimulates lactation by the mammary glands at parturition in mammals, the activity of the crop in birds, and in some mammalian species the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum.


prolactin British  
/ prəʊˈlæktɪn /

noun

  1. Also called: luteotrophin.   luteotrophic hormone.  a gonadotrophic hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. In mammals it stimulates the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum and initiates and maintains lactation See also follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone

"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

prolactin Scientific  
/ prō-lăktĭn /
  1. A protein hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland that stimulates and maintains the secretion of milk in mammals.


Etymology

Origin of prolactin

First recorded in 1930–35; pro- 1 + lact- + -in 2

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.

The scientists identified growth hormone and prolactin as the decisive factors for this migration behavior.

From Science Daily

Though changes in hormones such as prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone can occur, there’s no clear pattern or elevation of hormone levels associated with the condition, Clark says.

From National Geographic

"Exposure to 4 ingredients are needed to transform the breast and allow for milk production and expression — estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin."

From Salon

When we experience real-life loss, or empathize with another's pain, hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin are released within us.

From Salon

We produce oxytocin and prolactin, which can make us feel consoled.

From Washington Post