oxytocin

noun

oxy·​to·​cin ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn 

: a pituitary octapeptide hormone C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk

Examples of oxytocin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thank the oxytocin for that spike in physical attraction. —Serena Coady, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2024

The oxytocin released during orgasm literally makes people happier. —Lexi Petronis, Glamour, 10 Oct. 2024

The study Michael enrolled in tested whether adding the social-bonding hormone oxytocin could improve outcomes. —Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

Hearing stories also releases multiple chemicals like dopamine, cortisol and oxytocin. —Tracy Brower, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

oxytoc(ic) + -in entry 1

Note: According to Science News Letter, vol. 12, no. 341 (October 22, 1927), p. 259, the name was given after pituitary extracts were "obtained in purified form from a single gland by Dr. Oliver Kamm and associates working in the research laboratories of Parke Davis and Company at Detroit."

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

oxytocin

noun

oxy·​to·​cin -ˈtōs-ᵊn 

1

: an octapeptide hormone C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂ secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk

called also alpha-hypophamine

2

: a synthetic version of oxytocin used especially to initiate or increase uterine contractions (as in the induction of labor) see pitocin