noun

ghrelin

GREL-in

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Ghrelin (noun) means Ghrelin is a hormone released by the stomach when it is empty that increases appetite and triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland. Example: “Ghrelin levels rise before a meal, making a person feel hungry.”

noun

technical Ghrelin is a hormone released by the stomach when it is empty that increases appetite and triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.

"Ghrelin levels rise before a meal, making a person feel hungry."

"Researchers study ghrelin to understand how appetite is controlled."

"The stomach releases ghrelin when it has been empty for a while."

How to use ghrelin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGhrelin is the hormone that makes you feel hungry when your stomach is empty.

When to use it

Ghrelin is a specialist biochemistry and medical term.

Memory tip

Link ghrelin to hunger and growth to remember it triggers both appetite and growth hormone.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

ghrelin levels release ghrelin ghrelin and appetite rising ghrelin

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ levels rise before a meal, making a person feel hungry.

Etymology

The name ghrelin blends growth hormone-releasing peptide with the chemical suffix -in, and was also shaped by an ancient root meaning to grow.

Origin: English

Rhymes for ghrelin

javelin Zeppelin Michelin

See all rhymes for ghrelin →

Frequently asked questions

What does ghrelin do in the body?

Ghrelin is a hormone that increases appetite and triggers the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.

When is ghrelin released?

The stomach secretes ghrelin when it is empty, which is why levels tend to rise before eating.

Where does the name ghrelin come from?

It comes from combining growth hormone-releasing peptide with the suffix -in used for naming chemical compounds.

What is the meaning of ghrelin?

"ghrelin" (noun) means ghrelin is a hormone released by the stomach when it is empty that increases appetite and triggers growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.