aromatase inhibitor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Medical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “aromatase inhibitor” mean?
A type of drug that blocks the aromatase enzyme, reducing estrogen production in the body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of drug that blocks the aromatase enzyme, reducing estrogen production in the body.
A class of endocrine therapy medications primarily used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They work by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme responsible for converting androgens into estrogens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The drug names (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) are identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/medical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects, appearing only in relevant medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aromatase inhibitor” in a Sentence
[Patient] was prescribed/takes [an aromatase inhibitor][Aromatase inhibitor] is used to treat [condition][Doctor] recommended/switched to [an aromatase inhibitor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aromatase inhibitor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The treatment aims to aromatase-inhibit the tumour's hormone supply. (rare, technical)
American English
- The drug effectively aromatase-inhibits, lowering serum estrogen. (rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- The tumour was treated aromatase-inhibitorly. (extremely rare/non-standard)
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- She is on an aromatase-inhibitor therapy regimen.
American English
- The aromatase-inhibitor effect was clinically significant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in pharmaceutical industry reports or healthcare economics.
Academic
Common in medical, oncology, pharmacology, and biochemistry literature.
Everyday
Very rare; used only by patients, caregivers, or in public health discussions about cancer.
Technical
Core term in oncology, endocrinology, and pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aromatase inhibitor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aromatase inhibitor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aromatase inhibitor”
- Pronouncing 'aromatase' with stress on 'aroma' (/ˈær.ə.mə.teɪz/) instead of the second syllable.
- Using it as a plural uncountable noun (e.g., 'She is on aromatase inhibitor') without the article 'an'.
- Confusing it with other hormone therapies like tamoxifen (a SERM).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. They are also sometimes used in fertility treatments and for conditions like gynecomastia.
Joint and muscle pain, hot flashes, increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, fatigue, and sometimes elevated cholesterol.
Tamoxifen is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen receptors. Aromatase inhibitors work earlier in the process by preventing the body from making estrogen. AIs are generally used only in postmenopausal women.
Yes, but less commonly. They may be prescribed for men with breast cancer or sometimes to treat conditions related to high estrogen levels, such as certain cases of gynecomastia or in conjunction with testosterone therapy.
A type of drug that blocks the aromatase enzyme, reducing estrogen production in the body.
Aromatase inhibitor is usually medical/technical in register.
Aromatase inhibitor: in British English it is pronounced /əˈrəʊ.mə.teɪz ɪnˈhɪ.bɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈroʊ.mə.teɪs ɪnˈhɪ.bə.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AROMA-TASE stops the 'aroma' (production) of estrogen. An INHIBITOR blocks it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLOCKADE or SWITCH-OFF metaphor is common: 'The drug shuts down estrogen production.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an aromatase inhibitor?