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

They miss a large percentage of early-stage cancers, particularly breast and prostate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Researchers also found 11 Neanderthal-derived genetic segments connected to conditions including coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

Ingesting too much of the toxin may also cause cancers of the kidney and prostate, it says.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Days before spring training, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

To this day, neutron therapy as pioneered by the cyclotroneers in 1938 remains an important part of the arsenal against certain cancers, including those of the prostate and salivary glands.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik