prostacyclin

noun

pros·​ta·​cy·​clin ˌprä-stə-ˈsī-klən 

: a prostaglandin that is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, inhibits platelet aggregation, and dilates blood vessels

Word History

Etymology

prosta- (as in prostaglandin) + cycl- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prostacyclin

noun

pros·​ta·​cy·​clin ˌpräs-tə-ˈsī-klən 

: a prostaglandin that is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, inhibits aggregation of platelets, and dilates blood vessels