androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (such as testosterone)

androgenic

ˌan-drə-ˈje-nik 

adjective

Examples of androgen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stress produces more androgens, which are linked with the production of more sebum. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Hormonal changes: Rising androgen levels during puberty can cause sebaceous glands to grow and produce excess oil, leading to acne. —Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2025

Hormonal factors: Male-pattern baldness is associated with androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Another hormonal option is antiandrogens like Aldactone (spironolactone), which block androgens. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

andro- + -gen, after estrogen

Note: The term was apparently introduced in a short article "The Nomenclature of 'Male Hormones'" by the American Medical Society's Council on Pharmacy and Chemistry, published in the Journal of the American Medical Society, vol. 107, no. 3 (July 18, 1936), p. 212.

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing androgen

• androgen deprivation therapy
• androgen insensitivity syndrome
• anti-androgen

Kids Definition

androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (as testosterone)

Medical Definition

androgen

noun

an·​dro·​gen ˈan-drə-jən 

: a male sex hormone (as testosterone)

androgenic

ˌan-drə-ˈjen-ik 

adjective