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

Explanation

Testosterone is a hormone made in the testes in males and in the ovaries in females. Testosterone is generally found in greater amounts in males, where it aids in the development of the male sex organs and sperm. The word testosterone was coined in the 1930s. It is based on the Latin word testis, which means testicle, and the word sterol, meaning steroid. Because it is the hormone that develops male characteristics, the word testosterone sometimes refers to the quality of being male. A room crowded with men watching football is commonly described as being "full of testosterone."

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

It added this was irrespective of testosterone suppression, which until now has been relied upon by a number of sports when regulating the inclusion of transgender and DSD athletes in female competition.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The testosterone hormone is probably what drives the increased production of that pain-resolving molecule, known as interleukin-10, the researchers found.

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

Something you should understand: I’m not androgynous in the least. 5-alpha-reductase deficiency syndrome allows for normal biosynthesis and peripheral action of testosterone, in utero, neona- tally, and at puberty.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides