relaxin

[ri-lak-sin]

noun Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

a polypeptide hormone produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy that causes the pelvic ligaments and cervix to relax during pregnancy and delivery.

Origin of relaxin

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in²

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British Dictionary definitions for relaxin

relaxin

noun

a mammalian polypeptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during pregnancy, which relaxes the pelvic ligaments

a preparation of this hormone, used to facilitate childbirth

Word Origin for relaxin

C20: from relax + -in

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

relaxin in Medicine

relaxin

[rĭ-lăk′sĭn]

n.

A female hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that helps soften the cervix and relax the pelvic ligaments in childbirth.