noun
oxytocin
ahk-see-TOH-sihn
noun
1
A hormone that triggers labour contractions and milk production, and is also linked to trust and emotional bonding.
"Oxytocin levels rise sharply during childbirth and breastfeeding."
"Researchers call oxytocin the "bonding hormone" because of its role in social attachment."
How to Use Oxytocin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hormone involved in childbirth, breastfeeding, and forming emotional bonds with others.
Common pairings
oxytocin levels
release of oxytocin
Word Forms
oxytocins plural
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_____ levels rise sharply during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Etymology
From Greek roots meaning "swift" and "childbirth," reflecting its original discovery as a hormone that speeds up labour.