HealthAugust 15, 2026

valproate

VAL-pru-ayt

Definition

A salt or ester of valproic acid, commonly used as an anticonvulsant medication to manage seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Etymology

The term is a chemical derivative coined from 'valeric acid,' which originates from the Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong,' referring to the valerian plant from which the acid was first isolated.

In the news

The article mentions sodium valproate as a critical medication for Rosmiel that has been difficult to obtain due to Cuba's ongoing pharmaceutical supply crisis.

Mother of Child with Epileptic Encephalopathy Criticizes Cuban Government for Lack of Support

Read the full article ↗

CubaHeadlines

Related words

cannula

A thin, flexible tube inserted into the body to administer fluids, drain excess fluid, or…

Health

chordoma

A rare type of malignant tumor that develops in the bones of the skull base or the spine.

Health

esophageal

Relating to the esophagus, which is the muscular tube connecting the throat to the…

Health

gerontology

The multidisciplinary scientific study of aging and the biological, social, and…

Health

geroscience

A multidisciplinary field of study that investigates the biological mechanisms of aging…

Health

imprest

A fund or advance of money provided to an individual or agency to cover routine…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.