relaxin

[ ri-lak-sin ]

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.

relaxin

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of relaxin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of relaxin¹

C20: from relax + -in

Example Sentences

There’s also some concern about the hormone relaxin, which relaxes joints to aid in the birthing process.

From Popular-Science