diethylstilbestrol (DES) /-stilbes″trol/ , a synthetic hormone with estrogenic properties. This agent was used extensively from 1948 to 1971 to decrease miscarriages, but it is now contraindicated because it is known to increase the risk of vaginal clear cell carcinoma in the women exposed to it in utero (i.e., daughters of mothers who used the drug). Also called stilbestrol.
