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prostaglandin

American  
[pros-tuh-glan-din] / ˌprɒs təˈglæn dɪn /

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.


prostaglandin British  
/ 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

"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

prostaglandin Scientific  
/ prŏs′tə-glăn′dĭn /
  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.


Etymology

Origin of prostaglandin

First recorded in 1935–40; prosta(te) + gland 1 + -in 2


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

This distinction is important because it suggests that LPC70 does not simply increase or suppress all prostaglandin activity.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

Blocking 15-PGDH, or otherwise raising levels of prostaglandin E2, has been shown to support regeneration in damaged muscle, nerve, bone, colon, liver and blood cells in young mice.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

"But this research shows that, at normal biological levels, small increases in prostaglandin E2 can promote regeneration."

From Science Daily ● Jan. 20, 2026

Lower prostaglandin levels may slow or stop tumour development.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 20, 2026

Many cancer cells show increased secretion of the messenger substance prostaglandin E2.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 24, 2024

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