oestrogen

 
Pronunciation: /ˈiːstrədʒ(ə)n, ˈɛstrə-/
(US estrogen)

noun

  • any of a group of steroid hormones which promote the development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body. Such hormones are also produced artificially for use in oral contraceptives or to treat menopausal and menstrual disorders: there is a monthly cycle of oestrogens and progesterone

Derivatives

oestrogenic

Pronunciation: /-ˈdʒɛnɪk/
adjective

Origin:

1920s: from oestrus + -gen

Spelling help

Remember that oestrogen begins with oe- (the spelling estrogen is American).