ENGLISH
REFERENCE

prostate

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈpɹɑˌsteɪt// UK //pɹˈɒsteɪt// prostate

n. a small part of the male body located near the bladder. It helps produce the fluid that carries sperm.

n. a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system that surrounds the urethra and secretes a fluid that forms part of the semen.


SIMPLE

The doctor checked his prostate during the physical exam.

CONTEXTUAL

Men over the age of fifty are often encouraged to undergo regular screenings to monitor the health of their prostate.

COMPLEX

Advances in robotic surgery have significantly reduced the recovery time for patients requiring the removal of the prostate due to localized tumors.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle French prostate, from Medieval Latin prostata, from Ancient Greek προστάτης (prostátēs, “one who stands before, protector, guardian”).

Etymology 2

From pro- + state.

Usage

Typically used in the singular when referring to the specific organ in an individual.

Pitfall

prostrate cancerprostate cancerLearners often confuse 'prostate' (the gland) with 'prostrate' (lying flat on the ground).

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