fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Law enforcement officers raided the house in October, finding a gun and large amounts of fentanyl and heroin. Angela Hart | Kff Health News, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2024 The man was in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, and under the influence of a stimulant and opiate. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for fentanyl 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fentanyl.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fentanyl was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near fentanyl

Cite this Entry

“Fentanyl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fentanyl. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun
fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil How to pronounce fentanyl (audio)
: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C22H28N2O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C22H28N2O·C6H8O7 is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.

More from Merriam-Webster on fentanyl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!