erythropoietin

[ ih-rith-roh-poi-i-tn, -poi-eet-n ]

noun

1. Biochemistry. a hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the bone marrow, released in response to low levels of oxygen in the tissues.
2. a synthetic form of this hormone, used as a performance-enhancing drug.

erythropoietin

/ ɪˌrɪθrəʊpɔɪˈiːtɪn /

noun

1. a hormone, secreted by the kidney in response to low levels of oxygen in the tissues, that increases the rate of erythropoiesis. It has been used as a performance-enhancing drug for athletes and racehorses EPO

erythropoietin

/ ĭ-rĭth′rō-poi-ē′tĭn /

1. A glycoprotein hormone, secreted mostly by the kidneys in adults and the liver in children, that stimulates stem cells in the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Word History and Origins

Origin of erythropoietin¹

First recorded in 1945–50; erythropoiet(ic) ( def ) + -in ²

Example Sentences

They called the theoretical hormone erythropoietin, or “red maker” in Greek.

From New York Times

Seven decades later, researchers found actual erythropoietin after filtering 670 gallons of urine.

From New York Times

It stimulates the body to produce more of the natural hormone erythropoietin, or EPO, which has long been a doping product favored by cyclists and distance runners to boost stamina.

From Seattle Times

It can help produce more of the natural hormone erythropoietin, or EPO, which has long been a doping product favored by endurance athletes.

From Seattle Times

The European Union’s medicines agency says the substance stimulates the body to produce more of the natural hormone erythropoietin, or EPO which has long been a doping product favored by endurance athletes.

From Washington Times