methotrexate

American  

[meth-oh-trek-seyt] / ˌmɛθ oʊˈtrɛk seɪt /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a toxic folic acid analogue, C 2 0 H 2 2 N 8 O 5 , that inhibits cellular reproduction, used primarily in the treatment of psoriasis and certain cancers and as an immunosuppressive agent.

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methotrexate British  

/ ˌmɛθəʊˈtrɛkseɪt, ˌmiːθəʊ- /

noun

1. an antimetabolite drug used in the treatment of certain cancers. Formula: C 20 H 22 N 8 O 5

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methotrexate Scientific  

/ mĕth′ə-trĕk′sāt /

1. A toxic drug that acts as a folic acid antagonist to interfere with cellular reproduction and is used in the treatment of psoriasis, certain cancers, and certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Chemical formula: C ₂₀ H ₂₂ N ₈ O ₅ .

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Etymology

Origin of methotrexate

1950–55; metho(xy)- + trexate, of unclear derivation

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

methotrexate

Doctors only gave Thurman a methotrexate injection, a medication treatment, when her OB-GYN went to the hospital and spoke to the staff in person on her fourth visit to the emergency room.

From Salon ● May 26, 2026

The researchers also showed that the gamma treatment improved the signs of chemo brain in mice that received a different chemotherapy drug, methotrexate, which is used to treat breast, lung, and other types of cancer.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 6, 2024

It so happened that this company was supplying the U.S. with half of its cisplatin, half of its methotrexate, 20 percent of its carboplatin.

From Slate ● Jul. 9, 2023

When Isabella’s second cycle of treatment began June 5, clinicians advised that she would be getting less than the full dose because of a methotrexate shortage, said her father, Brent.

From Scientific American ● Jun. 21, 2023

The oncologist will probably come in to ask you some questions before we start the methotrexate.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick