tamoxifen

[ tuh-mok-suh-fuhn, ‑-fen ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an antineoplastic drug, C 26 H 29 NO, that blocks the estrogen receptors on cancer cells, used in the treatment of breast cancer.

tamoxifen

/ təˈmɒksɪfɛn /

noun

1. a drug that antagonizes the action of oestrogen and is used to treat breast cancer and some types of infertility in women

tamoxifen

/ tə-mŏk′sə-fĕn /

1. An estrogen antagonist drug used to treat advanced breast cancer in women whose tumors are estrogen-dependent and to prevent breast cancer in some women who are at high risk.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamoxifen¹

1970–75; perhaps t(rans)- + am(ino)- + oxy- ² + phen(yl), with respelling of y and ph

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamoxifen¹

C20: altered from t ( rans- ) + am ( ine ) + oxy- ² + phen ( ol )