prostaglandin

noun

pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌprä-stə-ˈglan-dən 

: 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

Advil blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins and COX (cyclooxygenase) enzymes. —Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Seasonal allergies are the body’s response to pollen from trees and grass; the immune system releases chemicals, like histamines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which cause all those uncomfortable, familiar symptoms. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Similarly to NSAIDs, acetaminophen is thought to work by blocking Cox enzymes from making prostaglandins. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Magnesium has been found to regulate the production and activity of prostaglandins, which may reduce prostaglandin levels and cramp severity.3 Affects nerves and pain perception: Magnesium plays a role in the function of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers between nerves). —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for prostaglandin

• abandon
• mandan

Medical Definition

prostaglandin

noun

pros·​ta·​glan·​din ˌpräs-tə-ˈglan-dən 

: 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)