relaxin

[ ri-lak-sin ]

noun

, Biochemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a polypeptide hormone produced by the corpus luteum during pregnancy that causes the pelvic ligaments and cervix to relax during pregnancy and delivery.

relaxin

/ rɪˈlæksɪn /

noun

1. a mammalian polypeptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during pregnancy, which relaxes the pelvic ligaments
2. a preparation of this hormone, used to facilitate childbirth

Word History and Origins

Origin of relaxin¹

First recorded in 1925–30; relax + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of relaxin¹

C20: from relax + -in

Example Sentences

Research from the Guardian external-link in 2023 found that pregnancy also "elevates levels of hormones such as relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints, potentially increasing the risk of injury".

From BBC

When relaxin-3 is released in the brain, it binds to a target receptor RXFP3 -- to trigger a variety of signalling responses among the cells, which affect the body's physiological processes.

From Science Daily

One theory is that relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy to relax the ligaments in the pelvis and to soften and widen the cervix, may cause your teeth to shift.

From The Guardian

And once again, the ultimate goal remains maxin’ and relaxin’, the culprit plotting murder and deception over a course of years for the privilege of endless days with the sand and surf.

From The Guardian

Grant enthuses about the benefits of strong glutes in preventing knee injuries and back problems, and also for postnatal women whose gluteal muscles have lengthened during pregnancy as a result of the relaxin hormone.

From The Guardian