First Known Use: 1936
Dictionary
prostaglandin
noun pros·ta·glan·din \ˌpräs-tə-ˈglan-dən\
Definition of PROSTAGLANDIN
: 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)
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PROSTAGLANDIN
prostate gland + 1-in; from its occurrence in the seminal fluid of animals
Medical Dictionary
prostaglandin
noun pros·ta·glan·din \ˌpräs-tə-ˈglan-dən\
Medical Definition of PROSTAGLANDIN
: 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)
Learn More About PROSTAGLANDIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: prostalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: prostacyclinAll Words Near: prostaglandin
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up prostaglandin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).