methotrexate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Medical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “methotrexate” mean?
A potent antimetabolite and antifolate drug, primarily used to treat certain cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma) and severe autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A potent antimetabolite and antifolate drug, primarily used to treat certain cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma) and severe autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis).
A chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent that works by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid, thereby interfering with DNA synthesis and slowing the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and overactive immune system cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling is identical. Potential minor differences in brand name availability or formulation standards (e.g., UK 'Metoject' vs US 'Rheumatrex'), but the generic name is universal.
Connotations
Purely clinical and neutral in both variants. Connotes serious medical treatment.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse but standard within oncology, rheumatology, and dermatology in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “methotrexate” in a Sentence
Patient + be on + methotrexateDoctor + prescribe/administer + methotrexate (to patient) + for + conditionMethotrexate + cause/induce + side effectVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methotrexate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant decided to methotrexate the patient (highly informal/technical slang, very rare).
adjective
British English
- She is on a methotrexate regimen.
American English
- The protocol includes methotrexate rescue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports, investor briefings, or drug patent discussions.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and biomedical research papers, clinical trial reports, and textbooks.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only by patients, caregivers, or in general health discussions about specific conditions.
Technical
The primary register. Used constantly in clinical notes, prescriptions, oncology/rheumatology consultations, and pharmacy practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methotrexate”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methotrexate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methotrexate”
- Misspelling as 'methatrexate', 'methotraxate', or 'methotrextate'. Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a methotrexate'). Confusing it with other 'meth-' drugs like methadone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a chemotherapeutic drug when used in cancer treatment (e.g., leukaemia). When used for autoimmune diseases, it is considered an immunosuppressant at much lower doses.
Folic acid (or folinic acid) is supplemented to reduce certain side effects like mouth sores and nausea, without interfering with methotrexate's primary therapeutic effect on immune cells.
Alcohol consumption is generally strongly discouraged or prohibited, as both methotrexate and alcohol can stress the liver, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity.
No, methotrexate is contraindicated in pregnancy due to a high risk of severe birth defects and pregnancy loss. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and for a period after treatment.
A potent antimetabolite and antifolate drug, primarily used to treat certain cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma) and severe autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis).
Methotrexate is usually technical / medical / formal in register.
Methotrexate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθəʊˈtrɛkseɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛθoʊˈtrɛkˌseɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: METHOd to TREAT EXcessive cell ACTIVITY. It's a 'method' to 'treat' over-'active' cells in cancer or autoimmune disease.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CELL DIVISION BLOCKER. Often conceptualized as a 'key' that jams the 'lock' (the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase) needed for cell growth.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary pharmacological action of methotrexate?