prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən How to pronounce prolactin (audio)
: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation

Examples of prolactin 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.
There’s a range of treatments that can help reduce the prolactin and stop the milky discharge, including medication and surgery, and patients typically make a full recovery. Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024 The body releases oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024 On the other hand, breastfeeding may help lower the risk of relapses by keeping estrogen levels lower and increasing prolactin. Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 24 Sep. 2024 During pregnancy, prolactin causes your breasts to grow and produce mammary tissue in preparation for breastfeeding. Wendy Wisner, Health, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolactin 

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + lact- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prolactin was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near prolactin

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

prolactin

noun
pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən How to pronounce prolactin (audio)
: a protein hormone of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary gland that induces and maintains lactation in the postpartum mammalian female
abbreviation PRL

called also luteotropic hormone, luteotropin, mammotropin

More from Merriam-Webster on prolactin

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