oxytocin

ox·y·to·cin  (ks-tsn)

n.

A short polypeptide hormone, C₄₃H₆₆N₁₂O₁₂S₂, released from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during labor and facilitates ejection of milk from the breast during nursing.

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oxytocin [ˌɒksɪˈtəʊsɪn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) a polypeptide hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland, that stimulates contractions of the uterus or oviduct and ejection of milk in mammals; alphahypophame: used therapeutically for aiding childbirth. Formula: C₄₃H₆₈N₁₂O₁₂S₂ Compare vasopressin

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oxytocin  (ks-tsn)

A polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during childbirth and facilitates ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

oxytocin - hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk Pitocin endocrine, hormone, internal secretion - the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect