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.
See Examples For:
Three small clinical trials are already underway in soft-tissue cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026
In preclinical studies, the antibody stopped both tumor growth and metastatic spread in an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
Researchers at Umeå University and collaborating institutions have developed an experimental cancer drug that may be able to slow tumor growth and prevent aggressive prostate cancer from spreading.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026
Several high-profile celebrities have revealed they have prostate cancer, including Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy who has said publicly he has terminal prostate cancer.
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
Ruth has diabetes, and Peter has prostate trouble.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Following the disclosure, the NHS website saw a surge in searches about enlarged prostates, an interest welcomed by doctors and charities.
From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2024
About half of men with enlarged prostates suffer no symptoms at all.
From National Geographic ● Jan. 23, 2024
The medical technology company gave investors an encouraging update on research studies for its UroLift System to treat enlarged prostates.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 1, 2022
Here’s the thing about prostate-specific antigen: you do not expect to find it in blood test results for most women, because most women don’t have prostates.
From The Verge ● Nov. 9, 2021
The Question of Operation.—In recent years there has been a tendency to suggest operation even on comparatively small prostates when symptoms referable to them are noted.
From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)
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.
