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 Mice engineered to lack the receptor that allows for prostaglandin E2 signaling displayed noticeably slower muscle regeneration. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Misoprostol, taken second, is a synthetic prostaglandin (a hormone-like substance) that induces contractions and cervical dilation. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2023 In fact, prostaglandins are also used in medical inductions. Parents Editors, Parents, 16 Dec. 2023 Serums containing an ingredient called prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) come with the rare possibility of a more significant risk. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2023 Diligently paint on that prostaglandin analog, in the form of a product like Latisse, and then clamp on Beldue's contraption. Virginia Heffernan, Wired, 5 Jan. 2022 Changing estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandin levels cause excess gas. Health Editorial Team, Health, 27 Aug. 2023 That’s noteworthy, since certain substances that activate a prostaglandin receptor (aka prostaglandin analogs) are known to boost hair growth, says Dr. King. Renee Cherry, Women's Health, 26 July 2023 There is one study that was performed in silico — meaning simulated in a computer program — which showed that ricinoleic acid, a component of castor oil, may act similarly to prostaglandin analogues, which are known drugs for counteracting hair loss. Dori Price, Good Housekeeping, 8 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prostaglandin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on prostaglandin

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