methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌme-thə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt How to pronounce methotrexate (audio)
: 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
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.
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 Because it is metabolized in the liver, other drugs or supplements (including turmeric), which reduce methotrexate’s breakdown, can potentially increase its adverse effects, including a greater risk for infections, Pino said. Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for methotrexate

Word History

Etymology

meth- + -trexate, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methotrexate was in 1955

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Methotrexate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methotrexate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

methotrexate

noun
meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌmeth-ə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt How to pronounce methotrexate (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on methotrexate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!