Quick answer
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostrate, with the extra R, means lying face down — or figuratively overcome, as in prostrate with grief. "Prostrate gland" is a common slip and there is no such thing.
The core difference
A noun naming a body part and an adjective describing a position.
- prostate (noun) — a gland below the bladder.
- prostrate (adjective, verb) — lying face down; overwhelmed: prostrate with exhaustion.
The extra R
Count it. Prostrate has two Rs; prostate has one. The word with more letters describes the more elaborate action — lying full-length on the ground.
The roots
Prostate is from Greek prostates, one who stands before — it sits in front of the bladder. Prostrate is from Latin prosternere, to throw down. Different languages, different roots, and they are not related despite the near-identical spelling.
This page explains the words. It is not medical guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is it prostate or prostrate gland?
Prostate gland. Prostrate means lying face down and is not a body part.
How do I remember the difference?
Prostrate has an extra R, and describes the more elaborate act of lying full-length on the ground.
Are the words related?
No. Prostate is Greek, meaning standing before; prostrate is Latin, meaning thrown down.
