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

At the apartment, agents found more than 3 kilograms of fentanyl and 3 kilograms of cocaine, according to prosecutors. —Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024

Over the past several years, potentially fatal doses of fentanyl have been found in samples of fake prescription pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine. —Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Locally, Republican leaders have linked the spread of fentanyl to the U.S.-Mexico border and migration crisis, calling for harsh immigration enforcement. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Former president Donald Trump has blamed the surge of fentanyl on the Biden-Harris administration's border policies. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 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.