Progestin
/ˈproʊ.dʒɛs.tɪn/noun
A synthetic hormone that has effects similar to progesterone.
Did you know?Progestin was coined in the 20th century from progesterone, whose name ultimately comes from Latin pro- (“for”) + gestare (“to carry”), literally tied to carrying a pregnancy.
Etymological Timeline
20th Century
English
progestin
“A synthetic substance with progesterone-like activity.”
1900s
English
progesterone
“The natural hormone produced by the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands that prepares and maintains the uterine lining.”
Late 19th Century
French/English
progestation/progesterone
“A coined scientific name based on the hormone’s role in supporting pregnancy.”
Latin
Latin
pro- + gestare
“For; to carry, bear, or bring forth.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰeh₁- / *ǵeh₁-
“To carry, bear, or hold.”