estrogen

n. female sex hormone which is secreted by the ovaries and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the female sexual characteristics (Biochemistry)

Estrogens (alternative spellings: oestrogens or œstrogens) are a group of steroid compounds, named for their importance in the estrous cycle, and functioning as the primary female sex hormone. Estrogens are used as part of some oral contraceptives, in estrogen replacement therapy of postmenopausal women, and in hormone therapy for transsexual women. Like all steroid hormones, estrogens readily diffuse across the cell membrane; inside the cell, they interact with estrogen receptors.
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Estrogen /es·tro·gen/ a generic term for estrus-producing compounds; the female sex hormones, including estradiol, estriol, and estrone. [more]Estrogen - Community and Resources

Noun
1. a general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics
(synonym) oestrogen
(hypernym) steroid hormone, steroid, sex hormone
(hyponym) diethylstilbestrol, diethylstilboestrol, stilbestrol, stilboestrol, DES

n. estrogen, female sex hormone

adj. estrogenic, pertaining to estrogen