Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
angiotensin II

angiotensin II

6.3
A hormone in the body that makes blood vessels smaller and raises blood pressure
  • noun
  • /ˌæn.dʒi.oʊˈtɛn.sɪn tuː/
  • Specialized
translation icon : angiotensina II
  • Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that significantly increases blood pressure.
  • angiotensin II and vasopressin
  • angiotensin II and noradrenaline
  • action of angiotensin II

Examples

  • Research indicates that angiotensin II contributes to hypertension by constricting blood vessels.

  • The doctor explained that angiotensin II acts on blood vessels to elevate blood pressure during stress.

  • Taken together, these findings show that angiotensin II plays a part in several immune processes.

    Academic text (2018)

  • The high levels of angiotensin II also activate the sympathetic nervous system.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Furthermore, because of its vascular actions, angiotensin II itself can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

    Academic text (2016)

  • However, studies in rodents and computer simulations indicate that angiotensin II production is physiologically regulated by renin 4, 14.

    Academic text (2018)

  • Aldosterone production occurs in the adrenal gland and is stimulated by the increased circulating levels of angiotensin II.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Many immune effects of ACE are independent of angiotensin II, but the peptide substrate(s) and/or product(s) that mediate these effects are currently unknown.

    Academic text (2018)

Synonyms

angiotensin
vsangiotensin II
  • Specialized
1 8.9

A hormone that makes blood vessels narrow and raises blood pressure

is a specific form produced from a precursor and acts more powerfully
angiotonin
vsangiotensin II
  • Specialized
9.1

A chemical that makes blood vessels narrower and raises blood pressure

is a defined peptide form derived from a precursor and stronger

Surface Forms

angiotensin II singular
angiotensins II plural

Morphology

angiotensin + II

The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'angiotensin' (a blood-vessel-constricting hormone) combined with the Roman numeral 'II' signals the second form or isoform of that hormone. This numeric labeling of sequential molecular forms is a regular, cross-linguistic naming convention, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Angiotensin II gets its name from parts that show its job: angio means 'vessel', tensin means 'to tighten', and II means 'second'. So the name gives a picture of a second form that makes blood vessels 'tighten' and so 'raise blood pressure'.