a potent androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes; responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics
"High levels of testosterone, a potent androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes, are responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics."
A steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
"Testosterone is a steroid hormone that stimulates the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and is produced mainly in the testes, though it is also found in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal cortex."
In plain English: Testosterone is a hormone that helps control male physical changes during puberty and drives feelings of aggression and confidence.
"High levels of testosterone can give men more energy and confidence during their workouts."
Usage: Avoid using this term casually when referring to general masculinity or aggression; reserve it for biological contexts. In medical discussions, distinguish between "testosterone levels" (the quantity) and "testosterone therapy" (the treatment).
The name testosterone combines the Latin root testis, meaning "testicle," with a suffix indicating it is a steroid hormone. It was coined to describe the male sex hormone first isolated from animal testes.