relaxin

American  

[ri-lak-sin] / rɪˈlæk sɪn /

noun

Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

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

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relaxin British  

/ rɪˈlæksɪn /

noun

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

2. a preparation of this hormone, used to facilitate childbirth

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Etymology

Origin of relaxin

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in ²

Example Sentences

Research from the Guardian external-link in 2023 found that pregnancy also "elevates levels of hormones such as relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints, potentially increasing the risk of injury".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2024

One theory is that relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy to relax the ligaments in the pelvis and to soften and widen the cervix, may cause your teeth to shift.

From The Guardian • Oct. 20, 2019

In pregnancy, the body produces a hormone, relaxin, that helps loosen up ligaments and the pelvic area for birth.

From Washington Times • Aug. 9, 2016

Describe the role of placental secretion of relaxin in preparation for childbirth.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Hisaw found that even virgin female animals were relaxed by relaxin.

From Time Magazine Archive