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
- 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)