prostate
Americanadjective
noun
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with 64,000 men diagnosed and 12,000 dying each year.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
But the following year officials told Prostate Cancer UK that there was no funding available.
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
Prostate Cancer Research said the decision was "a serious error that ignores modern evidence" and was a missed opportunity for Black men and those with a family history.
From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025
In such cases the Prostate Gland is usually congested, enlarged and irritated, and needs prompt and thorough treatment.
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
