Cisplatins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A class of chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum and are used to treat various types of cancer
2. These compounds are known for damaging DNA and inhibiting cancer cell growth
3. Often employed in combination with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness against tumors

Etymology: Cisplatin is a chemical compound built from platinum, and its name is a piece of chemical shorthand. The prefix "cis-" comes from Latin, where "cis" meant "on this side of" and is related to Latin "citra," "on this side." In chemistry, "cis-" marks a particular spatial arrangement of atoms: in this compound, two chloride groups sit on the same side of the platinum centre, next to each other, rather than on opposite sides. The second part, "-platin," is a derivative of "platinum," the metal at its core. The plural "cisplatins" is the form of "cisplatin" used when referring to several distinct molecules, such as the family of related platinum-based compounds chemists have developed. Such compounds are known for damaging DNA and slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Synonyms: cisplatin drugs, platinum chemotherapy