calcitonin

noun cal·ci·to·nin \ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən\

Definition of CALCITONIN

: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that lowers the level of calcium in the blood plasma —called also thyrocalcitonin

calci- + -tonin (as in serotonin)

First Known Use: 1961

Medical Dictionary

noun cal·ci·to·nin \ˌkal-sə-ˈtō-nən\

: a polypeptide hormone especially from the thyroid gland that tends to lower the level of calcium in the blood plasma—called also thyrocalcitonin

: a synthetic or recombinant form of calcitonin used to treat Paget's disease of bone and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Next Word in the Dictionary: calcitratePrevious Word in the Dictionary: calciteAll Words Near: calcitonin

What made you want to look up calcitonin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears