prostate-specific antigen

noun

pros·​tate-spe·​cif·​ic antigen
: a protease secreted by epithelial cells of the prostate gland that is used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer since its concentration in blood serum tends to be proportional to the clinical stage of the disease
abbreviation PSA

Examples of prostate-specific antigen 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.
He was later diagnosed with prostate cancer, despite feeling healthy and active, and received a follow-up prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test in April, which confirmed the diagnosis. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 6 June 2025 Prostate cancer is often detected with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 20 May 2025 The public summary of his visit listed several tests doctors performed, but not a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 19 May 2025 Many prostate cancers in the U.S. are detected with a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prostate-specific antigen

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prostate-specific antigen was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Prostate-specific antigen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostate-specific%20antigen. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

prostate-specific antigen

noun
: a protease that is secreted by the epithelial cells of the prostate and is used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer since its concentration in the blood serum tends to be proportional to the clinical stage of the disease
abbreviation PSA

More from Merriam-Webster on prostate-specific antigen

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