Dictionary.com

relaxin

[ ri-lak-sin ]
/ rɪˈlæk sɪn /

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.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU GUESS THESE WORDS FROM AROUND THE US?

American English is not always as it appears to be ... get to know regional words in this quiz!
Question 1 of 10
A bet is synonymous with a wager, but what does it mean in New York?
Often it means something is impossible.
It’s another way to agree with someone.
It serves as an apology.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of relaxin

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in2

Words nearby relaxin

relaxation oscillator, relaxation suture, relaxation time, relaxed, relaxer, relaxin, relay, relay fast, relay language, relay race, relearn
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for relaxin

relaxin
/ (rɪˈlæksɪn) /

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

Medical definitions for relaxin

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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.