ghrelin

[ grel-in ]

noun

, Biochemistry

1. a peptide hormone, produced mostly in the stomach, that increases appetite by stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone.

ghrelin

/ ˈɡrɛlɪn /

noun

1. a hormone produced in the body that stimulates appetite

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghrelin¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; by shortening of g(rowth) h(ormone) ( def ) + rel(easing factor) ( def ) + -in ²( def ), with allusion to the Proto-Indo-European root and variants ghrē-, ghrō, ghrə-, “to grow, be green”; see grow ( def ), green ( def ), grass ( def ), graze ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ghrelin¹

C20: from g ( rowth ) h ( ormone ) rel ( easing ) + -in

Example Sentences

Two hormones regulate how full or hungry we feel – ghrelin triggers feelings of hunger, while leptin makes us feel full.

From Salon

That prompts the release of another hormone, ghrelin, that triggers feelings of hunger.

From Los Angeles Times

Glucose and insulin levels were measured, as were ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and pancreatic polypeptide -- hormones associated with the consumption of food.

From Science Daily

The study focused on the role of one molecule involved in how our bodies deal with hunger: the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR, which mediates the effect of ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone."

From Science Daily

Levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin, produced in the stomach, rise before meals to signal hunger, then fall quickly after eating and stay low for about three hours.

From Seattle Times