growth hormone

noun

1
: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth
also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropin

2

Examples of growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People who take a GLP-1 medication also tend to have elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth hormone that helps control sebum production. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025 Since their approval, the program has covered everything: physical and occupational therapy, visits to their daughter’s nine specialists and a weekly growth hormone. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 Excess body weight can cause cancer by stimulating growth hormones that then tell cells to divide more often, increasing the risk of cancer. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Estrogen, insulin, growth hormone, and testosterone are anabolic hormones. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for growth hormone

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth hormone was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Growth hormone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20hormone. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

growth hormone

noun
: a hormone in plants or animals that regulates growth
especially : one produced by the pituitary gland

Medical Definition

growth hormone

noun
: a vertebrate polypeptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and regulates growth
also : a recombinant version of this hormone

called also somatotropic hormone, somatotropin

see human growth hormone

More from Merriam-Webster on growth hormone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!