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prostate

/ˌprɑsˈteɪt/
/ˈprɒsteɪt/
IPA guide

Other forms: prostates

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.

Definitions of prostate
  1. noun
    a firm partly muscular chestnut sized gland in males at the neck of the urethra; produces a viscid secretion that is the fluid part of semen
    synonyms: prostate gland
    see moresee less
    type of:
    ductless gland, endocrine, endocrine gland
    any of the glands of the endocrine system that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
  2. adjective
    relating to the prostate gland
    synonyms: prostatic
Pronunciation
US
/ˌprɑsˈteɪt/
UK
/ˈprɒsteɪt/
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Commonly confused words

prostate / prostrate

Oh, for the want of a letter! Prostate is a gland found in male mammals, but prostrate, with an r, means to lie face down. Get them mixed up and you’ll thoroughly confuse your doctor.

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