Medical Suffix
-tropin
-tropin means a hormone that stimulates (from the Greek trope, meaning a turning).
What does -tropin mean?
The suffix -tropin means a hormone that stimulates or acts on a target, usually a gland. It comes from the Greek word trope, meaning a turning. It appears at the end of the names of hormones from the pituitary gland that drive other glands. For example, somatotropin is growth hormone, and gonadotropin stimulates the sex glands. The related form -tropic describes something that acts on a target, as in thyrotropic.
Example words using -tropin
Related word parts
Frequently asked questions
What does -tropin mean?
The suffix -tropin means a hormone that stimulates a target, usually a gland, and comes from Greek.
What is somatotropin?
It is growth hormone, which stimulates body growth.
What is gonadotropin?
It is a hormone that stimulates the sex glands, combining gonad/o with -tropin.
Study reference only — not medical advice. Always consult qualified sources for clinical decisions.