rofecoxib

English

Etymology

From rofe- (of unknown origin) +‎ -coxib (“selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor”).

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌɹoʊ.fəˈkɑk.sɪb/

Noun

rofecoxib (uncountable)

1. (pharmacology) A COX-2 inhibitor C₁₇H₁₄O₄S (trademark Vioxx) used to relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, to manage acute pain in adults, and to treat primary dysmenorrhea but withdrawn from sale by the manufacturer because of its link to cardiovascular events (as heart attack and stroke).

References

• “rofecoxib”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.