methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌme-thə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic folic acid analog C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of methotrexate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because it is metabolized in the liver, other drugs or supplements (including turmeric), which reduce methotrexate’s breakdown, can potentially increase its adverse effects, including a greater risk for infections, Pino said. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025

The safest and simplest way to address an ectopic pregnancy is to give the patient methotrexate. —Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025

Representative Kat Cammack went to the emergency room in May 2024 and needed a shot of methotrexate to help expel her ectopic pregnancy. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

Her plan includes five phases: induction (weekly chemotherapy), consolidation (weekly chemotherapy plus spinal taps with intrathecal methotrexate) and a third phase every 10 days, depending on her blood counts. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

meth- + -trexate, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methotrexate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Medical Definition

methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌmeth-ə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic drug C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is an analog of folic acid and is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

called also amethopterin