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.
Prostate cancer is relatively straightforward to manage if caught early, and he says, looking back, he "wished" he'd seen a doctor "seven or eight months before".
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
Prostate Cancer UK said it was "delighted" by the government's decision, which would help the charity reach more black men "with clear, trusted information".
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
But the following year officials told Prostate Cancer UK that there was no funding available.
From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026
Prostate Cancer UK is engaging with the decision-makers in Northern Ireland to try to ensure that they rapidly follow suit.
From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026
The Prostate Gland must be softened, cooled and robbed of its inflammation before Anti-Impotency remedies can be of the slightest service.
From Manhood Perfectly Restored Prof. Jean Civiale's Soluble Urethral Crayons as a Quick, Painless, and Certain Cure for Impotence, Etc. by Civiale Remedial Agency
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.
