testosterone

American  

[tes-tos-tuh-rohn] / tɛsˈtɒs təˌroʊn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. the sex hormone C 19 H 28 O 2 , secreted by the testes, that stimulates the development of male sexual organs, secondary sexual traits, and sperm.

2. Pharmacology. a commercially prepared form of the sex hormone C 19 H 28 O 2 , originally isolated from bull's testes and now also produced synthetically, used in medicine chiefly for treatment of testosterone deficiency and for certain gynecological conditions.

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testosterone British  

/ tɛˈstɒstəˌrəʊn /

noun

1. a potent steroid hormone secreted mainly by the testes. It can be extracted from the testes of animals or synthesized and used to treat androgen deficiency or promote anabolism. Formula: C 19 H 28 O 2

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testosterone Scientific  

/ tĕs-tŏs′tə-rōn′ /

1. A steroid hormone that is the most potent naturally occurring androgen and that regulates the development of the male reproductive system and male secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is produced mainly in the testes and is also used as a drug in the treatment of certain medical disorders. Chemical formula: C ₁₉ H ₂₈ O ₂ .

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testosterone Cultural  

1. A male hormone that governs secondary sex characteristics. It is produced in the testes.

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Etymology

Origin of testosterone

First recorded in 1930–35; testo- (combining form of testis ) + ster(ol) + -one

Example Sentences

The posts, featuring influencers urging men to enhance their fertility by exercising to increase testosterone, eating healthy, taking supplements and reducing alcohol intake, made an impression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Supporters of screening also say this method is more humane than requiring DSD athletes to suppress their natural testosterone levels, and will avoid the intense media scrutiny that some athletes have been exposed to.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Pain lasts longer for women than it does for men—partly because of differences in testosterone levels, a recent study suggests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Post-victory elation, however, was short-lived: In mid-2023, Calamia had to tirelessly defend their right to use testosterone, which they’d been taking since 2019 as part of their gender transition, to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

He had received the results of the endocrinological tests performed at Henry Ford Hospital, and so knew of my XY karyotype, my high plasma testosterone levels, and the absence in my blood of dihydrotestosterone.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides