methotrexate
[ meth-oh-trek-seyt ]
/ ˌmɛθ oʊˈtrɛk seɪt /
noun Pharmacology.
a toxic folic acid analogue, C20H22N8O5, that inhibits cellular reproduction, used primarily in the treatment of psoriasis and certain cancers and as an immunosuppressive agent.
Origin of methotrexate
1950–55;
metho(xy)- +
trexate, of unclear derivation
Words nearby methotrexate
methodius,
methodize,
methodology,
methohexital,
methoprene,
methotrexate,
methought,
methoxide,
methoxsalen,
methoxy,
methoxy group
British Dictionary definitions for methotrexate
methotrexate
/ (ˌmɛθəʊˈtrɛkseɪt, ˌmiːθəʊ-) /
noun
an antimetabolite drug used in the treatment of certain cancers. Formula: C 20 H 22 N 8 O 5
Scientific definitions for methotrexate
methotrexate
[ mĕth′ə-trĕk′sāt ]
A toxic drug that acts as a folic acid antagonist to interfere with cellular reproduction and is used in the treatment of psoriasis, certain cancers, and certain inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Chemical formula: C20H22N8O5.