prostacyclin

noun

pros·​ta·​cy·​clin ˌprä-stə-ˈsī-klən How to pronounce prostacyclin (audio)
: a prostaglandin that is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, inhibits platelet aggregation, and dilates blood vessels

Word History

Etymology

prosta- (as in prostaglandin) + cycl- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prostacyclin was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near prostacyclin

Cite this Entry

“Prostacyclin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prostacyclin. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

prostacyclin

noun
pros·​ta·​cy·​clin ˌpräs-tə-ˈsī-klən How to pronounce prostacyclin (audio)
: a prostaglandin that is a metabolite of arachidonic acid, inhibits aggregation of platelets, and dilates blood vessels

More from Merriam-Webster on prostacyclin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!