/ok'si toh"seuhn/ , n.
1. Biochem. a polypeptide hormone, produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, that stimulates contraction of the smooth muscle of the uterus.
2. Pharm. a commercial form of this substance, obtained from beef and hog pituitary glands or esp. by synthesis, and used chiefly in obstetrics to induce labor and to control postnatal hemorrhage.
[ 1925-30; OXYTOC(IC) + -IN 2 ]