prostaglandin

noun

pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌprä-stə-ˈglan-dən How to pronounce prostaglandin (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
By reducing prostaglandin levels, NSAIDs can weaken the stomach's natural defenses against digestive acids. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Oct. 2024 It is formulated with prostaglandin analogue, which studies show can improve hair length and density. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2024 With his colleagues, he was credited with opening up the study of prostaglandins and, along with it, a broad array of applications in medical science. Emily Langer, Washington Post, 11 July 2024 When the body has an abundance of prostaglandins, cramping feels worse. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for prostaglandin 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prostaglandin was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near prostaglandin

Cite this Entry

“Prostaglandin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostaglandin. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

prostaglandin

noun
pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌpräs-tə-ˈglan-dən How to pronounce prostaglandin (audio)
: 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)

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