Leptin
/ˈlɛp.tɪn/noun
A hormone produced by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and energy balance.
Did you know?The name was coined from Greek leptos, meaning “thin” or “slender,” because the hormone was discovered through studies of obesity and body weight control rather than any ancient mystical tradition.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
λεπτός (leptós)
“thin, slender, fine”
Modern Scientific Greek
Greek
λεπτ- (lept-)
“combining form meaning thin or slender”
1994
English
leptin
“name coined for the newly identified hormone affecting body weight”
Modern English
English
leptin
“a hormone involved in appetite and energy regulation”
Explore more surprising origins