kinin

noun

ki·​nin ˈkī-nən How to pronounce kinin (audio)
1
: any of various polypeptide hormones that are formed locally in the tissues and cause dilation of blood vessels and contraction of smooth muscle
2

Examples of kinin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hormones, such as inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and kinins, interact between the brain and the gut’s local area, called the myenteric plexus, explains Cynthia Quainoo, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 21 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinein to move, stimulate + English -in entry 1 — more at -kinesis

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinin was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near kinin

Cite this Entry

“Kinin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinin. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

kinin

noun
ki·​nin ˈkī-nən How to pronounce kinin (audio)
1
: any of various polypeptide hormones that are formed locally in the tissues and cause dilation of blood vessels and contraction of smooth muscle
2

More from Merriam-Webster on kinin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!