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methotrexate

(met̸h′ō treks′āt′)

noun

an orange-brown, crystalline powder, CHNO, that is a folic acid antagonist: used in medicine, esp. in treating leukemia, various tumors, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis

Origin: meth(yl) + -trex- (< ?) + -ate

See methotrexate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A toxic antimetabolite, C₂₀H₂₂N₈O₅, 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.

Origin:

Origin: methotre- (probably shortening and alteration of methylaminopterin, one of its chemical names : methyl + aminopterin)

Origin: + perhaps (o)x(y)-

Origin: + -ate²

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