benzimidazole

noun

benz·​imid·​azole ˌben-zə-ˈmi-də-ˌzōl  ˌben-ˌzi-mə-ˈda-ˌzōl 

-ˈdā-

: a crystalline base C₇H₆N₂ that is composed of a benzene ring fused with an imidazole ring and is structurally similar to purine

also : any of various derivatives (such as thiabendazole, omeprazole, or benomyl) of this base typically possessing therapeutic properties including broad-spectrum anthelmintic, fungicidal, or antimicrobial action

Examples of benzimidazole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hookworm is typically treated with one of three classes of antiparasitic drugs: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones or tetrahydropyrimidines. —Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 1 June 2023

Synthesized in the 1950s for research, nitazene compounds are synthetic opioids that belong to a drug class called benzimidazole-opioids, according to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Laboratory Division. —Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

benzimidazole

noun

benz·​imid·​azole ˌben-ˌzim-ə-ˈdaz-ˌōl  ˌben-zə-ˈmid-ə-ˌzōl 

: a crystalline base C₇H₆N₂ used especially to inhibit the growth of various viruses, parasitic worms, and fungi

also : one of its derivatives