PsychologyJuly 17, 2026

oxytocin

OK-see-TOH-sin

Definition

A hormone and neurotransmitter produced in the hypothalamus that plays a significant role in social bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth, and maternal behavior.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek word 'oxys', meaning 'sharp' or 'acid', and 'tokos', meaning 'childbirth', reflecting its historical identification as a substance that accelerates labor.

In the news

The article mentions oxytocin in the context of neurological research, though in the actual study, researchers focused on serotonin and maternal stress hormones; however, the term is frequently cited in neuroscience discussions regarding social behavior and emotional regulation.

Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy is linked to slower thalamic growth in children

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

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