fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: 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

The 32-year-old, who struggled with substance abuse, reportedly died of fentanyl and ethanol toxicity, according to People magazine. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

Trump has repeatedly claimed that his threat to implement heavy tariffs—even against close allies such as Mexico and Canada—is merely an attempt to set the pace for potential negotiations over any number of issues, such as fentanyl. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Normally, the cooks wear gas masks while making fentanyl, to protect against toxic exposure to chemicals. —Meridith Kohut, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024

In fact, in 30 of the 89 samples, at least one of the following prescription medications was present: fentanyl (which has around a hundred times the potency of morphine), carisoprodol (which is a skeletal muscle relaxant) or meprobamate, which an anti-anxiety medication. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

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

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: 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.