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

: growth regulator

Examples of growth hormone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Enlarged hands and feet and widening gaps between the teeth One of the conditions Samson treats is acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Zinc affects growth in multiple ways, namely by influencing growth hormone metabolism. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

While the answer remains unclear, scientists have found a growth hormone variant that traces back to ancient wolves. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024

Additionally, zinc improves the release of growth hormone and increases the body’s sensitivity to it. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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