Definition

A medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer, severe skin conditions, and inflammatory diseases by blocking the action of folic acid in the body.

Example

The doctor prescribed methotrexate to help manage her rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Conversation

Have you heard about methotrexate?

Yes, I think it's used for treating some cancers and arthritis, right?

Exactly! My friend has to take methotrexate for her rheumatoid arthritis.

That must be tough, but at least there are treatments available.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Methotrexate is formed from "meth" (derived from "methyl", meaning a chemical group derived from methane), "o" (a linking vowel), and "trexate" (from "trex", a variant of "trexate", which is derived from "antimetabolite", meaning a substance that interferes with metabolic processes). The word refers to a drug that interferes with the metabolism of cells, particularly in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Memory Tip

Think of 'methyl' as a chemical group that plays a role in metabolism, and 'trexate' as a substance that disrupts metabolic processes — together, they describe a drug that affects cell metabolism.

Visually Confused Words