noun

androgen

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Androgen (noun) means a natural or synthetic hormone, usually a steroid, that drives the development of male physical characteristics in vertebrates. Example: “Testosterone is the best-known androgen in the human body.”

noun

scientific A natural or synthetic hormone, usually a steroid, that drives the development of male physical characteristics in vertebrates.

"Testosterone is the best-known androgen in the human body."

"A high level of androgen can lead to acne in teenagers."

"The medication works by blocking androgen production."

How to use androgen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hormone, such as testosterone, that produces male physical traits.

When to use it

Androgen is scientific vocabulary drawn from biochemistry and medicine.

Memory tip

Pair androgen with its opposite, estrogen, to remember which hormones drive male and female traits.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

estrogen →

Common pairings

androgen levels androgen production block androgen androgen therapy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “androgen” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Testosterone is the best-known _____ in the human body.

Etymology

The word combines the prefix andro-, relating to men, with the suffix -gen, meaning something that produces or gives rise to something else. Together they name a substance that produces male characteristics.

Origin: English

Antonyms

estrogen

Related words

estrogen

Rhymes for androgen

Imogen halogen glycogen hydrogen nitrogen pathogen estrogen oestrogen carcinogen

See all rhymes for androgen →

Frequently asked questions

What is an androgen?

It is a hormone, often a steroid, that stimulates and maintains male characteristics in vertebrates.

What is an example of an androgen?

Testosterone is the most familiar androgen.

Is androgen the same thing as testosterone?

No, testosterone is just one of several hormones classed as androgens.

What is the meaning of androgen?

"androgen" (noun) means a natural or synthetic hormone, usually a steroid, that drives the development of male physical characteristics in vertebrates.

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