growth factor

noun

: a substance (such as a vitamin B12 or an interleukin) that promotes growth and especially cellular growth

Examples of growth factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The growth factors stimulate the hair follicle, which decrease hair loss, increase hair growth and the density of each hair. Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The growth limit would be calculated using the previous year’s general fund appropriation as a base, multiplied by a growth factor that reflects population changes and inflation — specifically, the Consumer Price Index and medical care inflation. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 22 Apr. 2025 In addition to hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this formula boasts a host of peptides, including ones that function like growth factors and others that work to rapidly relax and smooth expression lines. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025 Another newer treatment is platelet-rich plasma; doctors draw some of your own blood, spin it into a centrifuge to isolate specific compounds called growth factors, then inject it back into your heel to promote healing. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for growth factor

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of growth factor was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Growth factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growth%20factor. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

growth factor

noun
: a substance (as a vitamin B12 or an interleukin) that promotes growth and especially cellular growth

More from Merriam-Webster on growth factor

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