estrogen

[ es-truh-juh n ]
/ ˈɛs trə dʒən /

noun Biochemistry.

any of several major female sex hormones produced primarily by the ovarian follicles of female mammals, capable of inducing estrus, developing and maintaining secondary female sex characteristics, and preparing the uterus for the reception of a fertilized egg: used, especially in synthetic form, as a component of oral contraceptives, in certain cancer treatments, and in other therapies.

Origin of estrogen

First recorded in 1925–30; estr(us) + -o- + -gen

OTHER WORDS FROM estrogen

an·ti·es·tro·gen, noun

Words nearby estrogen

estrela mountain dog, estremadura, estrildid, estrin, estriol, estrogen, estrogen replacement therapy, estrogenic, estrone, estrous, estrous cycle

Example sentences from the Web for estrogen

British Dictionary definitions for estrogen

estrogen
/ (ˈɛstrədʒən, ˈiːstrə-) /

noun

the usual US spelling of oestrogen

Derived forms of estrogen

estrogenic (ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk, ˌiːstrə-), adjective estrogenically, adverb

Medical definitions for estrogen

estrogen

n.

Any of several natural or synthetic substances formed by the ovary, placenta, testis, and certain plants, that stimulate the female secondary sex characteristics, exert systemic effects such as the growth and maturation of long bones, and are used to treat disorders due to estrogen deficiency and to ameliorate cancers of the breast and prostate. estrin

Scientific definitions for estrogen

estrogen
[ ĕs′trə-jən ]

Any of a group of steroid hormones that primarily regulate the growth, development, and function of the female reproductive system. The main sources of estrogen in the body are the ovaries and the placenta. Estrogen-like compounds are also formed by certain plants.

Cultural definitions for estrogen

estrogen
[ (es-truh-juhn) ]

A group of hormones, secreted mainly by the ovaries, that influence the female reproductive system in many ways, notably in preparing the body for ovulation and in the development of female secondary sex characteristics.