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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Advil may irritate the gastric lining of the stomach acid due to the inhibition of prostaglandins that protect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract lining. Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, target and reduce the amount of prostaglandins that your body makes, which will make your cramps less severe, according to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). Cory Stieg, refinery29.com, 12 Mar. 2024 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 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 24 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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