aminopterin

noun

am·​i·​nop·​ter·​in ˌa-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce aminopterin (audio)
: a derivative C19H20N8O5 of glutamic acid that is a folic acid antagonist and has been used as a rodenticide and antileukemic agent

Examples of aminopterin 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.
In the late 1940s, legendary cancer researcher Sydney Farber and colleagues reported successfully treating acute leukemia in children with a new drug called aminopterin. Gwen Nichols, STAT, 30 Dec. 2019 In 1947 aminopterin, a chemical which messes up cell division by interrupting the metabolism of folic acid, was found to produce remissions in children with acute leukaemia. The Economist, 14 Sep. 2017

Word History

Etymology

amino + pteroylglutamic acid + -in

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aminopterin was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near aminopterin

Cite this Entry

“Aminopterin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aminopterin. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

aminopterin

noun
am·​i·​nop·​ter·​in ˌam-ə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce aminopterin (audio)
: a derivative C19H20N8O5 of glutamic acid that is a folic acid antagonist and has been used as a rodenticide and antileukemic agent
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!