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.

Words nearby relaxin

relaxation oscillator, relaxation suture, relaxation time, relaxed, relaxer, relaxin, relay, relay fast, relay language, relay race, relearn

Origin of relaxin

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in²

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.