methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌme-thə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic folic acid analog C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of methotrexate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The case for leucovorin Until now, leucovorin has been prescribed primarily to protect healthy cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate, a common chemotherapy drug used in cancer care. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 25 Sep. 2025

Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, is a folate prescription drug now prescribed to counteract the toxic effects of chemotherapy medications such as methotrexate. —Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Leucovorin, or folinic acid, can counteract those effects by substituting for folate and allowing the body’s folate processes to continue functioning in the presence of methotrexate. —Alice Park, Time, 23 Sep. 2025

In rarer cases, it’s used to mitigate the side effects of another chemo drug called high-dose methotrexate. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

meth- + -trexate, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for methotrexate

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Medical Definition

methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌmeth-ə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt 

: a toxic drug C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅ that is an analog of folic acid and is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

called also amethopterin