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
oxytocin in American English
(ˌɑksɪˈtoʊsɪn; ˌɑksɪˈtɑsɪn)
noun
a hormone, C43H66N12O12S2, of the posterior pituitary gland, that stimulates contractions in the smooth muscle of the uterus and facilitates the secretion of milk
see also neurohypophysis
Word origin
< oxytocic + -in1
Examples of 'oxytocin' in a sentence
oxytocin
He claimed that a father in the delivery room could make a woman more anxious, slowing the production of oxytocin, a hormone that helps the labour process.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is also linked to the bonding hormone oxytocin and the aggressive forces of testosterone.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
When a mother has just given birth she is flooded with the hormone oxytocin.
Claudia Hammond EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings (2005)
Have you heard of the feelgood hormone oxytocin?
The Sun (2015)
But getting out and talking to friends is an easy way to boost feelgood hormone oxytocin.
The Sun (2014)
Also produced is oxytocin, which can lower blood pressure.
The Sun (2011)
Not only does touch help the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, but it can build bridges.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The pill's key component will be hormone oxytocin, which is released when a person feels close to another.
The Sun (2009)
Scientific studies have found that the hormone oxytocin, which is released when people cuddle or bond socially, can be beneficial to mental health.