Prostaglandin
WordNet

noun


(1)   A potent substance that acts like a hormone and is found in many bodily tissues (and especially in semen); produced in response to trauma and may affect blood pressure and metabolism and smooth muscle activity
WiktionaryText

Etymology


From German Prostaglandin, corresponding to prosta(te) + gland + -in (because it was originally believed to be secreted from the prostate).

Noun



  1. Any of a group of naturally occurring lipids derived from the C20 acid prostanoic acid; they have a number of physiological functions and may be considered to be hormones.
    • 2001: This enzyme generates an inflammatory mediator known as prostaglandin, which triggers pain and other aspects of inflammation. — Leslie Iversen, Drugs: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford 2001, p. 51)
 
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