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

Derived Forms

• preprostatic
  adjective
• subprostatic
  adjective
• postprostate
  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

Harris was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and for black men, that risk doubles to one in four.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

The chemical has been linked to prostate cancer -- the rate of which in Martinique and Guadeloupe is among the highest in the world -- as well as stomach and pancreatic cancer.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

Four months after leaving office, Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat