progesterone

noun

pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈje-stə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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 Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2024 First, the pregnancy hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) cause an increase in blood volume throughout the body. Kimberly A. Daly, Parents, 21 Aug. 2023 Just like how progesterone can mess with your period, abnormal levels of estrogen may also be to blame for your spotting. Sarah Bradley, Women's Health, 28 July 2023 The hormones estrogen and progesterone increase right before your period. Sarah Bradley, Health, 15 Feb. 2024 Menstrual cycles During women’s menstrual cycles, hormone levels — particularly estrogen and progesterone — fluctuate to regulate the process, Staller said. Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2024 An increase in discharge is super common during pregnancy, which is thanks to spiking estrogen and progesterone levels, says Dr. Arnold. Mara Santilli, SELF, 26 Jan. 2024 By the third day of your cycle, levels of progesterone and estrogen are rising and working to rebuild your endometrium. Holly Eagleson, Parents, 30 Nov. 2023 For example, estrogen and progesterone, hormones that fluctuate throughout your period, might affect how quickly food moves through your gut. Health Editorial Team, Health, 27 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'progesterone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of progesterone was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near progesterone

Cite this Entry

“Progesterone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progesterone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

progesterone

noun
pro·​ges·​ter·​one prō-ˈjes-tə-ˌrōn How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce progesterone (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on progesterone

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