Clomiphene

/kloʊˈmɪfin/ noun

Definition

A medication used to treat infertility by stimulating ovulation in women; also known as Clomid, a commonly used fertility drug.

Etymology

A modern pharmaceutical compound name, created in the 1960s from chemical nomenclature. The 'clom-' prefix comes from the drug's chemical class, while '-phene' indicates it's a phenyl compound. Brand name Clomid was chosen for marketing.

Kelly Says

Clomiphene revolutionized fertility treatment starting in the 1960s and has helped millions have children—it's one of those medical discoveries that changed ordinary people's lives so completely that its chemical name barely registers as technical.

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