leptin

noun

lep·​tin ˈlep-tən How to pronounce leptin (audio)
: a peptide hormone that is produced by fat cells and plays a role in body weight regulation by acting on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue

Examples of leptin 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.
Sleep deprivation is also associated with disruptions in appetite-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin), which often increases cravings for sugary, nutrient-poor foods.12 2. Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 The slow-rising blood glucose levels caused by low-GI foods help increase levels of the hormone leptin, which helps reduce food consumption at mealtimes. New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024 For certain rare conditions, leptin replacement therapy may be prescribed to increase leptin levels. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 11 Sep. 2024 This includes congenital leptin deficiency, a condition that causes mutations in the leptin gene. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for leptin 

Word History

Etymology

Greek leptos slender + English -in entry 1

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leptin was in 1995

Dictionary Entries Near leptin

Cite this Entry

“Leptin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leptin. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

leptin

noun
lep·​tin ˈlep-tən How to pronounce leptin (audio)
: a peptide hormone that is produced by fat cells and plays a role in body weight regulation by acting on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on leptin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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