oxytocin
noun
oxy·to·cin ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn 
: a pituitary octapeptide hormone C43H66N12O12S2 that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The researchers suspected that the tearful reaction was stimulated by oxytocin…a hormone associated with social bonding. 
Karen Hopkin, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2022 Again, trusting your gut is the best way to know if a partnership is potentially unhealthy, but that can be tough to do if you’re being flooded with mixed feelings and intoxicating hormones (like dopamine and oxytocin). Katie Arnold-ratliff, SELF, 24 June 2022 Ultimately, the pleasantness of the touch determines how much oxytocin is released according to previous research. Jennifer Fields, Fortune, 28 May 2022 In 2017, Stanford researchers showed that when given as a nasal spray, oxytocin can significantly decrease migraine pain.4 More research is needed but so far the data has been positive, Dr. Ailani notes. Abigail Libers, SELF, 13 May 2022 As part of ongoing research Burkhart has used oxytocin to help introduce strange lions in captive facilities. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Mar. 2022 There is the release of neurochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin, which promote affection and bonding. Outside Online, 7 Sep. 2021 Studies show that whenever those lips (and tongues) touch, the sensual action releases happy chemicals (oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin), lowers stress, and even increases overall relationship satisfaction. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 7 July 2022 Characters can help give learners a quick dose of oxytocin by developing trust and empathy. Yec, Forbes, 19 May 2022 See More
Karen Hopkin, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2022 Again, trusting your gut is the best way to know if a partnership is potentially unhealthy, but that can be tough to do if you’re being flooded with mixed feelings and intoxicating hormones (like dopamine and oxytocin). Katie Arnold-ratliff, SELF, 24 June 2022 Ultimately, the pleasantness of the touch determines how much oxytocin is released according to previous research. Jennifer Fields, Fortune, 28 May 2022 In 2017, Stanford researchers showed that when given as a nasal spray, oxytocin can significantly decrease migraine pain.4 More research is needed but so far the data has been positive, Dr. Ailani notes. Abigail Libers, SELF, 13 May 2022 As part of ongoing research Burkhart has used oxytocin to help introduce strange lions in captive facilities. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Mar. 2022 There is the release of neurochemicals such as endorphins and oxytocin, which promote affection and bonding. Outside Online, 7 Sep. 2021 Studies show that whenever those lips (and tongues) touch, the sensual action releases happy chemicals (oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin), lowers stress, and even increases overall relationship satisfaction. Liana Satenstein, Vogue, 7 July 2022 Characters can help give learners a quick dose of oxytocin by developing trust and empathy. Yec, Forbes, 19 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
oxytoc(ic) + -in entry 1
Note: According to Science News Letter, vol. 12, no. 341 (October 22, 1927), p. 259, the name was given after pituitary extracts were "obtained in purified form from a single gland by Dr. Oliver Kamm and associates working in the research laboratories of Parke Davis and Company at Detroit."
First Known Use
1928, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
oxytocin
noun
oxy·to·cin -ˈtōs-ᵊn
1
: an octapeptide hormone C43H66N12O12S2 secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk
called also alpha-hypophamine
2
: a synthetic version of oxytocin used especially to initiate or increase uterine contractions (as in the induction of labor) see pitocin
- soundful
- soundhead
- sounding
- sounding (out)
- sounding alarm bells
- sounding arrow
- sounding balloon
- sounding board
- sounding boards
- sounding lead
- sounding line
- sounding off
- sounding out
- sounding pipe
- sounding rocket
- sounding stop
- sounding tube
- soundingly
- soundingness
- soundings
- soundless
- soundlesslier
- soundlessliest
- soundlessly
- soundlessness