nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
(NSAID) any of a large, chemically heterogeneous group of drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase activity, resulting in decreased synthesis of prostaglandin and thromboxane precursors from arachidonic acid. All NSAIDs have analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory actions. Called also nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic or agent.
Medical dictionary.
2011.