pregnenolone

noun

preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈne-nə-ˌlōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio)
: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (such as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

Examples of pregnenolone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is currently no research on the benefits of pregnenolone for ED.18 Tribulus Terrestris Tribulus terrestris is an herbal plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 First, there’s a rise in pregnenolone and progesterone. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 19 May 2022 The authors were able to correct their rats’ behavioural and neurological abnormalities by dosing them with pregnenolone, a drug currently undergoing tests for the treatment of cannabis addiction, schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder. The Economist, 19 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary pregnene (C21H34) + -ol entry 1 + -one

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pregnenolone was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Pregnenolone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pregnenolone. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

pregnenolone

noun
preg·​nen·​o·​lone preg-ˈnen-ᵊl-ˌōn How to pronounce pregnenolone (audio)
: an unsaturated hydroxy steroid ketone C21H32O2 that is formed by the oxidation of steroids (as cholesterol) and yields progesterone on dehydrogenation

More from Merriam-Webster on pregnenolone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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