prodrug

[ proh-druhg ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an inactive substance that is converted to a drug within the body by the action of enzymes or other chemicals.

prodrug

/ ˈprəʊˌdrʌɡ /

noun

1. a compound that is itself biologically inactive but is metabolized in the body to produce an active therapeutic drug

Word History and Origins

Origin of prodrug¹

pro- ¹ + drug ¹