growthhormone

growth hormone n. Abbr. GH

1. A polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that promotes growth of the body, especially by stimulating release of somatomedin, and that influences the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Also called human growth hormone, somatotropic hormone, somatotropin.

2. Any of various natural or synthetic substances that regulate the growth of animals or plants, such as pituitary growth hormone in vertebrates and auxins in plants.

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