aldosterone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “aldosterone” mean?
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates the body's salt and water balance by increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates the body's salt and water balance by increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys.
A key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) which controls blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance; excessive aldosterone production leads to hypertension and potassium depletion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “aldosterone” in a Sentence
N of aldosterone (levels of aldosterone)V by aldosterone (regulated by aldosterone)Adj + aldosterone (excessive aldosterone)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aldosterone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The patient showed signs of aldosterone excess.
- Aldosterone activity was measured.
American English
- The aldosterone pathway is complex.
- Aldosterone-related hypertension is common.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and pharmacological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology, and pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aldosterone”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aldosterone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aldosterone”
- Misspelling: 'aldosteron', 'aldostrone', 'aldosteroine'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈældəˌstoʊn/).
- Confusing it with cortisol or other adrenal hormones.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, aldosterone is a steroid hormone, specifically a mineralocorticoid.
Aldosterone is produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
Excess aldosterone causes primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome), leading to hypertension and low blood potassium.
Aldosterone increases sodium and water retention, which increases blood volume and consequently raises blood pressure.
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates the body's salt and water balance by increasing sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys.
Aldosterone is usually technical/medical in register.
Aldosterone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌældəʊˈstɛrəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ælˈdɑstəˌroʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ALDO = 'Al does' + STERONE = steroid. 'Al does' control your salt tone (balance).
Conceptual Metaphor
REGULATOR (as a valve or thermostat controlling the body's internal salt and fluid economy).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary physiological action of aldosterone?