aminopterin

noun

am·​i·​nop·​ter·​in ˌa-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce aminopterin (audio)
: a derivative C19H20N8O5 of glutamic acid that is a folic acid antagonist and has been used as a rodenticide and antileukemic agent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In the late 1940s, legendary cancer researcher Sydney Farber and colleagues reported successfully treating acute leukemia in children with a new drug called aminopterin. Gwen Nichols, STAT, 30 Dec. 2019 In 1947 aminopterin, a chemical which messes up cell division by interrupting the metabolism of folic acid, was found to produce remissions in children with acute leukaemia. The Economist, 14 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aminopterin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

amino + pteroylglutamic acid + -in

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aminopterin was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near aminopterin

Cite this Entry

“Aminopterin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aminopterin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

aminopterin

noun
am·​i·​nop·​ter·​in ˌam-ə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce aminopterin (audio)
: a derivative C19H20N8O5 of glutamic acid that is a folic acid antagonist and has been used as a rodenticide and antileukemic agent
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