relaxin

noun

re·​lax·​in ri-ˈlak-sən How to pronounce relaxin (audio)
: a sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments

Examples of relaxin 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.
Many people will experience hypermobility in their joints during pregnancy as well due to the hormone relaxin. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024 As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more of the hormone relaxin which allows your ligaments to stretch during pregnancy and childbirth.2 However, the extra relaxin also causes your posture and center of gravity to shift. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 3 July 2024 Injuries can influence this process, as can being pregnant—a hormone called relaxin makes your ligaments more elastic to allow for childbirth, and the resulting changes in your feet can be permanent (Dr. Canzanese herself went up from a 10.5 regular to an 11 wide after having kids). Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 12 Sep. 2023 That’s because at six weeks, your joints, including your knees and hips, are still feeling the effects of the hormone relaxin, which is produced during pregnancy. Tiffany Ayuda, SELF, 6 Oct. 2022 From an athlete’s perspective, an important hormone of note is relaxin, which is produced by the ovaries and the placenta. Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021 And because relaxin continues to have a strong presence throughout breastfeeding, loose ligaments can persist long after childbirth. Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021 But like most hormones, relaxin circulates in the blood and can affect all ligaments, not just those associated with pregnancy. Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 20 May 2021 Meanwhile, the hormone relaxin loosens muscle ligaments to prepare for childbirth, which can also cause feet to spread and widen. Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxin was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near relaxin

Cite this Entry

“Relaxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxin. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

relaxin

noun
re·​lax·​in ri-ˈlak-sən How to pronounce relaxin (audio)
: a polypeptide sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments

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