noun

oxytocin

ahk-see-TOH-sihn

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Oxytocin (noun) means a hormone that triggers labour contractions and milk production, and is also linked to trust and emotional bonding. Example: “Oxytocin levels rise sharply during childbirth and breastfeeding.”

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishA hormone involved in childbirth, breastfeeding, and forming emotional bonds with others.

Common pairings

oxytocin levels release of oxytocin

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: oxytocins

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ 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.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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Pitocin

Frequently asked questions

What does “oxytocin” mean?

The word “oxytocin” means a hormone that triggers labour contractions and milk production, and is also linked to trust and emotional bonding. In plain terms, a hormone involved in childbirth, breastfeeding, and forming emotional bonds with others.

How do you pronounce “oxytocin”?

“Oxytocin” is pronounced ahk-see-TOH-sihn (/ɑksiˈtoʊsɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “oxytocin” in a sentence?

Here is “oxytocin” used in a sentence: “Oxytocin levels rise sharply during childbirth and breastfeeding.”

What part of speech is “oxytocin”?

“Oxytocin” is a noun.

Where does the word “oxytocin” come from?

The word “oxytocin” comes from Greek. From Greek roots meaning "swift" and "childbirth," reflecting its original discovery as a hormone that speeds up labour.