prostaglandin

noun

pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌprä-stə-ˈglan-dən 

: any of various oxygenated unsaturated cyclic fatty acids of animals that are formed chiefly by the action of cyclooxygenase on arachidonic acid and perform a variety of hormonelike actions (as in controlling blood pressure or smooth muscle contraction)

Examples of prostaglandin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

NSAIDs function by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins, says Walia. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025

This fluid is rich in proteins such as prostaglandins (hormone-like compounds) and immunoglobulins (antibodies that protect against fungi, bacteria, and viruses). —Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024

The serum pairs natural hydrating ingredients with a prostaglandin, isopropyl cloprostenate. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 24 Dec. 2024

Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by highly active prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause the uterus to contract during the menstrual cycle, Amies Oelschlager said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

prostate gland + -in entry 1; from its occurrence in the seminal fluid of animals

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prostaglandin

noun

pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌpräs-tə-ˈglan-dən 

: any of various oxygenated unsaturated cyclic fatty acids of animals that are formed as cyclooxygenase metabolites especially from unsaturated fatty acids (as arachidonic acid) composed of a chain of 20 carbon atoms and that perform a variety of hormonelike actions (as in controlling blood pressure or smooth muscle contraction)