vasopressin
Biochemistry. a peptide hormone, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland, that stimulates capillary muscles and reduces the flow of urine and increases its concentration.
Pharmacology. a synthetic preparation of this hormone, used as an antidiuretic in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.
Origin of vasopressin
1- Also called antidiuretic hormone, ADH.
Words Nearby vasopressin
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
British Dictionary definitions for vasopressin
/ (ˌveɪzəʊˈprɛsɪn) /
a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It increases the reabsorption of water by the kidney tubules and increases blood pressure by constricting the arteries: Also called: antidiuretic hormone Chemical name: beta-hypophamine Compare oxytocin
Origin of vasopressin
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for vasopressin
[ vā′zō-prĕs′ĭn ]
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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