prostate

American  

[pros-teyt] / ˈprɒs teɪt /

adjective

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

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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

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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

BBC Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris has announced his prostate cancer has spread to his spine, but that he is "now on the pathway to recovery".

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The entertainer was one of the most familiar faces on British TV for several decades before he died of prostate cancer in 2003 at the age of 75.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Sure enough, I tested positive for BRCA1, and now my doctors and I are on high alert not just for breast cancer but also linked cancers like prostate and pancreatic cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

"Then, depending on a number of factors that may impact one's cancer risk, a fiber deficiency may increase your risk for certain cancers, such as colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer."

From Science Daily • Mar. 8, 2026

It had been almost ten years since Papa had died of untreated prostate cancer.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat