prostate

American  

[pros-teyt] / ˈprɒs teɪt /

adjective

1. Also prostatic of or relating to the prostate gland.

---

noun

1. prostate gland.

prostate British  

/ ˈprɒsteɪt /

noun

1. Also called: prostate gland.  a gland in male mammals that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra and secretes a liquid constituent of the semen

---

adjective

1. Also: prostatic.  of or relating to the prostate gland See also PSA

Other Word Forms

• postprostate
  adjective
• preprostatic
  adjective
• subprostatic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of prostate

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin prostata, from Greek prostátēs “one standing before”; equivalent to pro- ² + -stat

Explanation

The prostate gland is part of a man's reproductive system; it's located near his bladder and is about the size of a kiwi fruit. Prostate cancer, which is fairly common in men, is usually treatable if it is detected early. The prostate is a gland found in most male mammals. The root word is the Greek prostates, which literally means one who stands before, or protector, guardian — which describes the prostate's position in front of the bladder. Don't confuse prostate, the part of male anatomy, with prostrate a verb that describes lying down.

Example Sentences

Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at charity Prostate Cancer UK, said the decision was "a momentous, life-saving victory for the thousands of men whose lives will now be saved".

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Prostate Cancer UK said the committee's recommendation would "come as a blow" to tens of thousands of men.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2025

Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, said current diagnostics methods don't find enough aggressive cancers, and cause too much harm.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.

From Science Daily • Nov. 10, 2025

This, and the delay that sometimes occurs before the stream will start, are usually due to enlarged Prostate Gland—a common condition in men past 50.

From Manhood Perfectly Restored Prof. Jean Civiale's Soluble Urethral Crayons as a Quick, Painless, and Certain Cure for Impotence, Etc. by Civiale Remedial Agency