androgen
n. countablen. a type of hormone that helps the body develop male characteristics, like facial hair and a deep voice. Both men and women have these hormones, but men usually have much more.
n. any of a group of hormones, such as testosterone, that stimulate the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics. These hormones are present in both sexes, though typically at higher concentrations in males.
Testosterone is the most well-known androgen in the human body.
Doctors sometimes use synthetic androgens to treat conditions related to low hormone levels in men.
While primarily associated with male physiology, androgens play a vital role in the development of female reproductive tissues and the maintenance of bone density in both sexes.
From andro- + -gen.