prostate

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɒsteɪt/
(also prostate gland)

noun

  • a gland surrounding the neck of the bladder in male mammals and releasing a fluid component of semen.

Derivatives

prostatic

Pronunciation: /-ˈstatɪk/
adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: via French from modern Latin prostata, from Greek prostatēs 'one that stands before', from pro 'before' + statos 'standing'

Do not confuse prostate with prostrate. Prostate means 'a gland surrounding the bladder of male mammals', whereas prostrate means 'lying face downwards' ( he fell prostrate on the ground) or 'throw oneself flat on the ground'.