Definitions for oxytocinˌɒk sɪˈtoʊ sən

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Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ox•y•to•cinˌɒk sɪˈtoʊ sən(n.)

  1. a pituitary hormone that stimulates contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus to induce labor.

    Category: Biochemistry, Pharmacology

Origin of oxytocin:

1925–30

Princeton's WordNet

  1. oxytocin, Pitocin(noun)

    hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk

Wiktionary

  1. oxytocin(Noun)

    A hormone that stimulates contractions during labour/labor, and then the production of milk.

  2. Origin: From oxytocic, from ὀξύς + τόκος, from τίκτω.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Oxytocin

    A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION.


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