progestin

noun

pro·​ges·​tin prō-ˈje-stən How to pronounce progestin (audio)
: progestogen
especially : a synthetic progesterone (such as levonorgestrel)

Examples of progestin 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.
On the other hand, hormonal IUDs, also called levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs (LNG-IUDs), are made of plastic and work by releasing levonorgestrel—a type of progestin, which is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone—to prevent pregnancy. Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 29 Oct. 2024 The ones that do exist, though, also suggest that IUDs containing progestin may elevate the risk of breast cancer. Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 29 Oct. 2024 The progestin hormone thickens cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the egg. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024 Estrogen and progestin found in birth control pills may increase water retention. Ashley Baumohl, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for progestin 

Word History

Etymology

progest(ational) + -in entry 1, originally as a name for progesterone

Note: The name was introduced by the American gynecologist and biochemist Willard M. Allen (1904-93) in "Physiology of the Corpus Luteum V. The Preparation and Some Chemical Properties of Progestin, a Hormone of the Corpus Luteum which Produces Progestational Proliferation," Amerian Journal of Physiology, vol. 92, issue 1 (February, 1930), pp. 174-88.

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of progestin was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near progestin

Cite this Entry

“Progestin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/progestin. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

progestin

noun
pro·​ges·​tin prō-ˈjest-ən How to pronounce progestin (audio)
: progesterone
especially : a synthetic progesterone (as levonorgestrel)

More from Merriam-Webster on progestin

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!