dehydroepiandrosterone

noun

de·​hy·​dro·​epi·​an·​dros·​ter·​one (ˌ)dē-ˌhī-drō-ˌe-pē-an-ˈdrä-stə-ˌrōn How to pronounce dehydroepiandrosterone (audio)
: a weakly androgenic ketosteroid C19H28O2 secreted by the adrenal glands that is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone and estrogens (such as estradiol)
also : a synthetic derivative of this compound
—abbreviation DHEA

Examples of dehydroepiandrosterone in a Sentence

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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.
Wild Yam Wild yams contain a compound called diosgenin, which is a natural dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). — Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 7 Jan. 2025 It is derived from the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone and works to maintain natural hormone balance. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary de- + hydr- + epi- + androsterone

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dehydroepiandrosterone was in 1961

Rhymes for dehydroepiandrosterone

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Browse Nearby Words

dehydrocyclization
dehydroepiandrosterone
dehydrofreezing
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Cite this Entry

“Dehydroepiandrosterone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dehydroepiandrosterone. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

dehydroepiandrosterone

noun
de·​hy·​dro·​epi·​an·​dros·​ter·​one (ˌ)dē-ˌhī-drō-ˌep-ē-an-ˈdräs-tə-ˌrōn How to pronounce dehydroepiandrosterone (audio)
: an androgenic ketosteroid C19H28O2 secreted by the adrenal cortex that is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of testosterone
—abbreviation DHA, DHEA
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