progesterone

[ proh-jes-tuh-rohn ]
/ proʊˈdʒɛs təˌroʊn /

noun

Biochemistry. a hormone, C21H30O2, that prepares the uterus for the fertilized ovum and maintains pregnancy.
Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from the corpus luteum of pregnant sows or synthesized: used in the treatment of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, threatened or recurrent abortion, etc.

Origin of progesterone

1930–35; blend of progestin and luteosterone (< German Luteosteron, synonymous with progestin, equivalent to Luteo- luteo- (representing corpus luteum) + -steron (see sterol, -one))

Words nearby progesterone

progenitor cell, progeny, progeria, progeroid, progestational, progesterone, progestin, progestogen, proglossis, proglottid, proglottis

Example sentences from the Web for progesterone

British Dictionary definitions for progesterone

progesterone
/ (prəʊˈdʒɛstəˌrəʊn) /

noun

a steroid hormone, secreted mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary, that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy. Formula: C 21 H 30 O 2 Also called: corpus luteum hormone

Word Origin for progesterone

C20: from pro- 1 + ge ( station) + ster ( ol) + -one

Medical definitions for progesterone

progesterone
[ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ ]

n.

A steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands. corpus luteum hormone luteohormone progestational hormone
A drug prepared from natural or synthetic progesterone, used in oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and in the treatment of menstrual and other gynecologic disorders.

Scientific definitions for progesterone

progesterone
[ prō-jĕs′tə-rōn′ ]

A steroid hormone that prepares the uterus for pregnancy, maintains pregnancy, and promotes development of the mammary glands. The main sources of progesterone are the ovary and the placenta. Chemical formula: C21H30O2.