insulin-like growth factor
noun
in·su·lin-like growth factor
ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən-ˈlīk- 
: either of two polypeptides structurally similar to insulin that are secreted either during fetal development or during childhood and that mediate growth hormone activity
Examples of insulin-like growth factor in a Sentence
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This affordable serum contains synthetic versions of epidermal, transforming, and insulin-like growth factors (EGF, TGF, and IGF, respectively) made of peptides to help renew skin.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025
People who take a GLP-1 medication also tend to have elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth hormone that helps control sebum production.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
These peptides, in turn, activate the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway in NSCs and triggers their reactivation.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Researchers are unsure exactly why dairy causes acne, but some evidence suggests that milk raises insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which increases sebum (oil) production.
—Kathleen Felton, Health, 11 Sep. 2023
In 1956 Daughaday discovered the hormone now called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1.
—Gary Taubes, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2013
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Emily Orofino, Vogue, 6 May 2025
People who take a GLP-1 medication also tend to have elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a growth hormone that helps control sebum production.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
These peptides, in turn, activate the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway in NSCs and triggers their reactivation.
—New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2024
Researchers are unsure exactly why dairy causes acne, but some evidence suggests that milk raises insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which increases sebum (oil) production.
—Kathleen Felton, Health, 11 Sep. 2023
In 1956 Daughaday discovered the hormone now called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1.
—Gary Taubes, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2013
Cite this Entry
“Insulin-like growth factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulin-like%20growth%20factor. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
insulin-like growth factor
noun
in·su·lin-like growth factor
ˌin(t)-s(ə-)lən-ˌlīk-
: either of two polypeptides structurally similar to insulin that are secreted either during fetal development or during childhood and that mediate growth hormone activity
especially
: insulin-like growth factor 1
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