What does testosterone mean?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone and the principal androgen, a class of hormones associated with sexual development and reproductive function. It is produced primarily by the testes in males and the ovaries in females, with the adrenal glands also contributing in both sexes. Testosterone supports the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, sperm production, libido, bone and muscle maintenance, and numerous other physiological processes. In medicine, it is commonly discussed in connection with delayed puberty, reduced libido, fertility problems, and hormone replacement. Public discussion often treats testosterone as an emblem of masculinity, competitiveness, or athletic power, but that association can obscure its broader biological role and the fact that both sexes produce it. The word is therefore most precise in medical, biological, or carefully contextualized social discussion, where it names a specific hormone rather than a general idea of masculinity.
nounA steroid hormone and principal androgen that is produced mainly in the testes in males and in the ovaries in females, with additional production in the adrenal glands. It is involved in sexual development, reproductive function, and other physiological processes in all sexes.
- A steroid hormone that acts as the principal androgen and helps regulate sexual development, reproductive function, and related physiological processes.
"The doctor recommended testing the patient's testosterone levels after he reported persistent fatigue and reduced libido."
"The clinician ordered blood tests to evaluate the patient's testosterone levels because of his symptoms."
"The article explores how popular culture often treats testosterone as a simple symbol of masculinity."
This plural is uncommon; testosterone is normally used as a mass noun in scientific and medical contexts.
"The study compared natural and synthetic forms of testosterone, sometimes referred to as testosterones."
Often called the “male” sex hormone, testosterone is actually essential to sexual development and reproductive function in every sex.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does testosterone come from?
The word was formed in the twentieth century from Latin testis, meaning “testis,” together with chemical naming elements associated with steroid hormones. Its name reflects the hormone's initial association with the testes and its identification as an androgen. The terminology developed alongside early twentieth-century research into sex hormones and steroid chemistry.
Related word forms
How testosterone is actually used
Usually a medical or scientific term. In general discussion it is sometimes used as shorthand for virility or male athletic performance, which can be reductive because the hormone has important functions in all sexes.
Easily confused with testosterone
Testosterone is the principal and most abundant androgen, whereas androgen refers to the broader group of hormones that promote male sexual characteristics.
Testosterone is a specific steroid hormone, while steroid refers to a much larger group of chemically related substances.