Definitions for oxytocin
ˌɒk sɪˈtoʊ sənoxy·tocin

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. oxytocin, Pitocinnoun

   hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (trade name Pitocin); stimulates contractions of the uterus and ejection of milk

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. oxytocinnoun

   A hormone that stimulates contractions during labour/labor, and then the production of milk.

2. Etymology: From oxytocic, from ὀξύς + τόκος, from τίκτω.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Oxytocin

   Oxytocin (Oxt or OT) is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide normally produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It plays a role in social bonding, reproduction, childbirth, and the period after childbirth. Oxytocin is released into the bloodstream as a hormone in response to sexual activity and during labour. It is also available in pharmaceutical form. In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to speed up the process of childbirth. In its natural form, it also plays a role in bonding with the baby and milk production. Production and secretion of oxytocin is controlled by a positive feedback mechanism, where its initial release stimulates production and release of further oxytocin. For example, when oxytocin is released during a contraction of the uterus at the start of childbirth, this stimulates production and release of more oxytocin and an increase in the intensity and frequency of contractions. This process compounds in intensity and frequency and continues until the triggering activity ceases. A similar process takes place during lactation and during sexual activity.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Oxytocin

   Oxytocin is a mammalian neurohypophysial hormone that acts primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain. Oxytocin plays roles in sexual reproduction, in particular during and after childbirth. It is released in large amounts after distension of the cervix and uterus during labor, facilitating birth, maternal bonding, and, after stimulation of the nipples, breastfeeding. Both childbirth and milk ejection result from positive feedback mechanisms. Recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin's role in various behaviors, including orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, and maternal behaviors. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the "love hormone". There is some evidence that oxytocin promotes ethnocentric behavior, incorporating the trust and empathy of in-groups with their suspicion and rejection of outsiders. Furthermore, genetic differences in the oxytocin receptor gene have been associated with maladaptive social traits such as aggressive behaviour.

U.S. National Library of MedicineRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Oxytocin

   A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION.

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. oxytocin

   A type of natural hormone and neurotransmitter created within a living organism and the brain and body of an animal or human being.

   Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a role in intimacy, sexual reproduction of both sexes, and during and when childbirth is completed.

   
   

   Submitted by MaryC on July 26, 2015  

Matched Categories

1. • Hormone

Anagrams for oxytocin »

1. oxytonic

How to pronounce oxytocin?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

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   Mark

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   Daniel

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   Libby

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   Mia

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   Karen

   Australian

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How to say oxytocin in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of oxytocin in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of oxytocin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of oxytocin in a Sentence

1. Tipper Gallagher:

   Oxytocin is released anytime you do something pleasurable.

2. Jenna LoGiudice:

   It will get you into a blissful oxytocin state and hopefully into a deeper sleep until the baby wakes you up.

3. Nervous Flyers Bunn:

   You need to think about those things ahead of time so the links are established and it happens automatically when you’re on a plane, once we find [what produces] oxytocin, we can just keep it going through the whole flight.

4. Debby Herbenick:

   Oxytocin can be released not only during masturbation and intercourse, but also during close touching.

5. Ian Roberts:

   Giving drugs to contract the uterus after childbirth is considered the cornerstone of efforts to prevent post - partum haemorrhage, oxytocin is the drug currently recommended but it is heat sensitive and loses potency in hot climates -- the sorts of places where many mothers die.

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References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=oxytocin
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Oxytocin
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxytocin
4. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=oxytocin