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
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When humans and dogs look each other in the eye, each species produces oxytocin, the same hormone that bonds mothers to their children.
—
Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Data published on the National Library of Medicine's website, says that having pets while working form home can enhance the experience, because their presence increases humans' endogenous oxytocin concentrations and reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Cuddling, holding hands, and gentle massages with a partner release oxytocin and foster closeness, reduces stress, and enhances well-being.1012
Summary
Orgasms offer numerous benefits, from stress reduction and better sleep to a stronger immune system and mood improvements.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024
Neuroscience shows that connection releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, boosting motivation and creativity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
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Camille Bromley Gabra Zackman Krish Seenivasan David Mason, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2025
Data published on the National Library of Medicine's website, says that having pets while working form home can enhance the experience, because their presence increases humans' endogenous oxytocin concentrations and reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
—Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Cuddling, holding hands, and gentle massages with a partner release oxytocin and foster closeness, reduces stress, and enhances well-being.1012
Summary
Orgasms offer numerous benefits, from stress reduction and better sleep to a stronger immune system and mood improvements.
—Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024
Neuroscience shows that connection releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, boosting motivation and creativity.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for oxytocin
Dictionary Entries Near oxytocin
Cite this Entry
“Oxytocin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxytocin. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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