calcitonin

noun

cal·​ci·​to·​nin ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən How to pronounce calcitonin (audio)
1
: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that lowers the level of calcium in the blood plasma

called also thyrocalcitonin

2
: a synthetic or recombinant form of calcitonin used to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis
Calcitonin administered by means of a nasal spray is an antiresorptive agent that has limited efficacy in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures and lacks efficacy in preventing hip fracture.Murray J. Favus

Examples of calcitonin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Additional measures include correcting hypercalcemia using loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, glucocorticoids, or calcitonin (bone hormone drug), and renal replacement therapies if the kidneys have been affected. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

calci- + -tonin (as in serotonin)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcitonin was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near calcitonin

Cite this Entry

“Calcitonin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcitonin. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

calcitonin

noun
cal·​ci·​to·​nin ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən How to pronounce calcitonin (audio)
1
: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that tends to lower the level of calcium in the blood plasma

called also thyrocalcitonin

2
: a synthetic or recombinant form of calcitonin used to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis
Calcitonin administered by means of a nasal spray is an antiresorptive agent that has limited efficacy in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures and lacks efficacy in preventing hip fracture.Murray J. Favus, The New England Journal of Medicine

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