alprostadil

noun

al·​pros·​ta·​dil al-ˈprä-stə-dil How to pronounce alprostadil (audio)
: a prostaglandin C20H34O5 that promotes vasodilation and is used especially to treat erectile dysfunction

Word History

Etymology

al- (of uncertain origin) + prosta(glan)d(in) + -il, alteration of -yl

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alprostadil was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near alprostadil

Cite this Entry

“Alprostadil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alprostadil. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

alprostadil

noun
al·​pros·​ta·​dil al-ˈpräs-tə-dil How to pronounce alprostadil (audio)
: a vasodilating prostaglandin C20H34O5 that is used especially to treat erectile dysfunction and is administered by injection or is inserted into the urethral opening in the form of a very small suppository

called also prostaglandin E1

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