progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn 

: a female steroid sex hormone C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus

also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action

Examples of progesterone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the phases of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels can cause insomnia or difficulty falling asleep. —Sofía Esquivel, Glamour, 24 Dec. 2024

Hormone receptor test: This can determine whether any cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Many forms of hormonal birth control, including the oral contraceptive pill, have a combination of hormones: estrogen and progestin (a form of progesterone). —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 26 Feb. 2025

Historically, testosterone was used in combination with estrogen and progesterone, hormones that decline with age. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

blend of progestin and luteosterone (borrowed from German Luteosteron, from luteo- luteo- + -steron -sterone), both earlier names for progesterone

Note: The name resulted from a compromise between researchers associated with the earlier names, the American gynecologist Willard M. Allen and embryologist George Washington Corner, and the German biochemists Adolph Butenandt and Karl Heinrich Slotta. See W. M. Allen, A. Butenandt, G. W. Corner, and K. H. Slotta, "Nomenclature of Corpus Luteum Hormone," Nature, vol. 136, number 303 (September 1, 1935), p. 303.

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for progesterone

• aldosterone
• anticyclone
• testosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone

Kids Definition

progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn 

: a hormone that is produced by the corpus luteum and causes the uterus to change so that it provides a suitable environment for a fertilized egg

Medical Definition

progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn 

: a female steroid sex hormone C₂₁H₃₀O₂ that is secreted by the corpus luteum to prepare the endometrium for implantation and later by the placenta during pregnancy to prevent rejection of the developing embryo or fetus

also : a synthetic steroid resembling progesterone in action