oxytocin
noun
oxy·to·cin
ˌäk-si-ˈtō-sᵊn 
: a pituitary octapeptide hormone C43H66N12O12S2 that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk
Examples of oxytocin in a Sentence
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They’ve been proven to decrease cortisol, the stress hormone, lower blood pressure and heart rate, while increasing oxytocin, a hormone linked to positive emotional states.
—
Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Cuddling pets also promotes the release of calming hormones like oxytocin.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Eye contact enhances oxytocin release, furthering a strong connection and reducing anxiety.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Women’s oxytocin levels increased after exposure to lavender, neroli, jasmine absolute, roman chamomile, clary sage and Indian sandalwood oils, one study showed.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
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Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Cuddling pets also promotes the release of calming hormones like oxytocin.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Eye contact enhances oxytocin release, furthering a strong connection and reducing anxiety.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Women’s oxytocin levels increased after exposure to lavender, neroli, jasmine absolute, roman chamomile, clary sage and Indian sandalwood oils, one study showed.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oxytocin
Cite this Entry
“Oxytocin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oxytocin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
oxytocin
noun
oxy·to·cin
-ˈtōs-ᵊn
1
: an octapeptide hormone C43H66N12O12S2 secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates especially the contraction of uterine muscle and the secretion of milk
called also alpha-hypophamine
2
: a synthetic version of oxytocin used especially to initiate or increase uterine contractions (as in the induction of labor) see pitocin
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