pregnenolone

noun

preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈne-nə-ˌlōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio)
: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (such as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

Examples of pregnenolone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First, there’s a rise in pregnenolone and progesterone. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 19 May 2022 The authors were able to correct their rats’ behavioural and neurological abnormalities by dosing them with pregnenolone, a drug currently undergoing tests for the treatment of cannabis addiction, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder. The Economist, 19 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pregnene (C21H34) + -ol entry 1 + -one

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnenolone was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near pregnenolone

Cite this Entry

“Pregnenolone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnenolone. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

pregnenolone

noun
preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈnen-ᵊl-ˌōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio)
: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnenolone

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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