Dictionary

cyclooxygenase

noun cy·clo·ox·y·gen·ase \-ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnās\

Definition of CYCLOOXYGENASE

:  an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and that has two isoforms of which one is involved in the creation of prostaglandins which mediate inflammation and pain
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CYCLOOXYGENASE

cycl- + oxygenase, an enzyme, from oxygen + -ase
First Known Use: 1975
Medical Dictionary

cyclooxygenase

noun cy·clo·ox·y·gen·ase \ˌsī-klō-ˈäk-si-jə-ˌnās, -äk-ˈsij-ə-, -ˌnāz\

Medical Definition of CYCLOOXYGENASE

:  an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, that is inactivated by aspirin and other NSAIDs, and that has two isoforms of which one is involved in the cascade of events producing the pain and inflammation of arthritis and the other is not—see cox-1, cox-2

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: cycloparaffinPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cycloolefinAll Words Near: cyclooxygenase
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears