sex hormone

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. any of a class of steroid hormones that regulate the growth and function of the reproductive organs or stimulate the development of the secondary sexual characteristics.

sex hormone

noun

1. an animal hormone affecting development and growth of reproductive organs and related parts

sex hormone

1. Any of various steroid hormones that regulate the sexual development of an organism and are needed for reproduction. Testosterone and estrogen are sex hormones.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sex hormone¹

First recorded in 1935–40