gastrin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized / Technical
Quick answer
What does “gastrin” mean?
A peptide hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid by the stomach.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A peptide hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid by the stomach.
Specifically, gastrin is produced by G cells in the pyloric antrum of the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas. Its release is triggered by the presence of food, and it plays a crucial role in the gastric phase of digestion. Abnormal levels are associated with medical conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. Pronunciation differences follow standard BrE/AmE patterns for the phonemes.
Connotations
None beyond its technical medical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse. Used with identical frequency in medical literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “gastrin” in a Sentence
The (adj) gastrin (verb)...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gastrin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gastrin response was measured.
- It is a gastrin-related tumour.
American English
- The gastrin response was measured.
- It is a gastrin-related tumor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, biological, and biochemical research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in clinical diagnostics, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and physiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gastrin”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gastrin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gastrin”
- Using 'gastrin' to mean 'gastritis'.
- Pronouncing it with a /dʒ/ sound (like 'jastrin').
- Treating it as an uncountable mass noun in contexts where 'levels' is required (e.g., 'His gastrin is high' is less standard than 'His gastrin levels are high').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gastrin is not a disease. It is a natural hormone produced in the body. However, abnormally high levels can be a symptom or cause of diseases like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Gastrin is primarily produced by G cells located in the lining of the stomach (pyloric antrum) and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
Gastrin release is triggered by the presence of food in the stomach, particularly proteins and peptides. Nerve signals and stomach distension also stimulate its secretion.
Yes, excessive gastrin (hypergastrinemia) can lead to overproduction of stomach acid, resulting in severe peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal complications.
A peptide hormone that stimulates secretion of gastric acid by the stomach.
Gastrin is usually specialized / technical in register.
Gastrin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæstrɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæstrən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GASTRin comes from the GASTeR (stomach) and makes it wIN by producing acid to digest food.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of gastrin?