prostate

American  

[pros-teyt] / ˈprɒs teɪt /

adjective

1. Also prostatic of or relating to the prostate gland.

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noun

1. prostate gland.

prostate British  

/ ˈprɒsteɪt /

noun

1. Also called: prostate gland.  a gland in male mammals that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra and secretes a liquid constituent of the semen

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adjective

1. Also: prostatic.  of or relating to the prostate gland See also PSA

Other Word Forms

• postprostate adjective
• preprostatic adjective
• subprostatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of prostate

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin prostata, from Greek prostátēs “one standing before”; equivalent to pro- ² + -stat

Explanation

The prostate gland is part of a man's reproductive system; it's located near his bladder and is about the size of a kiwi fruit. Prostate cancer, which is fairly common in men, is usually treatable if it is detected early. The prostate is a gland found in most male mammals. The root word is the Greek prostates, which literally means one who stands before, or protector, guardian — which describes the prostate's position in front of the bladder. Don't confuse prostate, the part of male anatomy, with prostrate a verb that describes lying down.

Example Sentences

Days before spring training, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

He is now appealing the decision to reject his reparation claims, but with two brain tumours, heart disease, and prostate cancer, he worries he is running out of time.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

It wasn’t just the incident with the gown, or the geneticist assuring me that prostate cancer would be my major BRCA-related concern.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

So critical was Iran’s Supreme Leader to the nation’s security that his health was considered a state secret, though state media said he had prostate surgery in 2014.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

To this day, neutron therapy as pioneered by the cyclotroneers in 1938 remains an important part of the arsenal against certain cancers, including those of the prostate and salivary glands.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik