methotrexate

noun

meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌme-thə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt How to pronounce methotrexate (audio)
: a toxic folic acid analog C20H22N8O5 that is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Examples of methotrexate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Colombia's health authorities tested three batches of methotrexate received from the company. David Cox, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 The most widely used of them is injectable methotrexate sodium, a chemotherapeutic often used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and osteosarcoma, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 Taking quercetin along with methotrexate, a common medication for treating rheumatoid arthritis, may improve the anti-inflammatory effects of the medication while reducing its toxic effects. Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 10 Aug. 2024 Treatment Prevents Progression Traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), especially methotrexate, and biologics are considered the best options for slowing down disease progression. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for methotrexate

Word History

Etymology

meth- + -trexate, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methotrexate was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Methotrexate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methotrexate. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

methotrexate

noun
meth·​o·​trex·​ate ˌmeth-ə-ˈtrek-ˌsāt How to pronounce methotrexate (audio)
: a toxic drug C20H22N8O5 that is an analog of folic acid and is used to treat certain cancers, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

called also amethopterin

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