oestrogen

/ ˌiːstrə-; ˈɛstrə-; ˈiːstrədʒən; ˌɛstrəˈdʒɛnɪk; ˌɛstrə-; ˌiːstrəˈdʒɛnɪk /

noun

1. any of several steroid hormones, that are secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta, that induce oestrus, stimulate changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle, and promote development of female secondary sexual characteristics

Derived Forms

• oestrogenic, adjective
• ˌoestroˈgenically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of oestrogen¹

C20: from oestrus + -gen

Example Sentences

Turing was offered the option of two years in prison or oestrogen injections—tantamount to chemical castration.

From The Daily Beast

He was given the choice of two years in prison or oestrogen injections, tantamount to chemical castration.

From The Daily Beast