finasteride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “finasteride” mean?
A synthetic medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss.
A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drug that reduces the size of an enlarged prostate and slows hair loss by lowering DHT levels in the body. It is also used off-label in some hormonal therapies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Neutral pharmaceutical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, limited to medical/health contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “finasteride” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed {finasteride} to the patient.The patient takes {finasteride} daily.{Finasteride} is used for treating BPH.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “finasteride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctor decided to finasteride the patient. (NOTE: This is NOT correct usage. Finasteride is not a verb.)
American English
- The physician considered finasteriding the condition. (NOTE: This is NOT correct usage. Finasteride is not a verb.)
adverb
British English
- He took the pill finasteridely. (NOTE: This is NOT correct usage. No established adverb form.)
American English
- The drug acted finasteride-ly. (NOTE: This is NOT correct usage. No established adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The finasteride therapy showed positive results.
- He is on a finasteride regimen.
American English
- The finasteride prescription was filled.
- She studied the finasteride response rates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and dermatological research papers.
Everyday
Limited to discussions about hair loss treatments or prostate health.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in medical consultations, pharmacology, and clinical guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “finasteride”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “finasteride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “finasteride”
- Mispronunciation: /faɪˈnæstəraɪd/ (incorrect).
- Misspelling: 'finestaride', 'finestride'.
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a finasteride' is wrong; 'a finasteride tablet' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is mainly used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and male pattern baldness.
In most countries, including the UK and US, it is a prescription-only medication.
Potential side effects can include sexual dysfunction and, in rare cases, an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. A doctor should monitor usage.
It is generally not prescribed for women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
A synthetic medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride is usually technical/medical in register.
Finasteride: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈnæstəraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈnæstəˌraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FINA'lly, a way to STOP hair loss and prostate enlargement. FINA-STERIDE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLOCKER or INHIBITOR (conceptualized as a tool that blocks a chemical process).
Practice
Quiz
Finasteride is primarily classified as what type of drug?