prostaglandin

[ pros-tuh-glan-din ]

noun
  1. Biochemistry. any of a class of unsaturated fatty acids that are involved in the contraction of smooth muscle, the control of inflammation and body temperature, and many other physiological functions.

  2. Pharmacology. any commercial preparation of this substance.

Origin of prostaglandin

1
First recorded in 1935–40; prosta(te) + gland1 + -in2

Words Nearby prostaglandin

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How to use prostaglandin in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prostaglandin

prostaglandin

/ (ˌprɒstəˈɡlændɪn) /


noun
  1. any of a group of potent hormone-like compounds composed of essential fatty acids and found in all mammalian tissues, esp human semen. Prostaglandins stimulate the muscles of the uterus and affect the blood vessels; they are used to induce abortion or birth

Origin of prostaglandin

1
C20: from prosta (te) gland + -in; it was originally believed to be secreted by the prostate gland

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for prostaglandin

prostaglandin

[ prŏs′tə-glăndĭn ]


  1. Any of a group of substances that are derived from fatty acids and have a wide range of effects in the body. Prostaglandins influence the contraction of the muscles lining many internal organs and can lower or raise blood pressure.

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