fentanyl

American  

[fen-tuh-nil] / ˈfɛn tə nɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic, short-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative, C 22 H 28 N 2 O, used pharmacologically in anesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia, and also as an illicit drug: Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

   Medics quickly administered fentanyl to the injured soldiers.

   Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

---

fentanyl British  

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

1. a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

---

Etymology

Origin of fentanyl

First recorded in 1960–65; contraction and respelling of the chemical name N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fentanyl

Companies in China have long been the main producers of the chemical building blocks used to make fentanyl.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

He also took steps to prevent fentanyl overdoses and reduce absenteeism.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 22, 2026

Janda's laboratory has previously developed vaccine candidates targeting both fentanyl and heroin.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 13, 2026

The White House document claimed they had discussed Chinese investment in U.S. industries, purchases of U.S. oil and agricultural products, and ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the U.S.

From Slate ● May 16, 2026

The conventional messaging, however, focused on “proven solutions” for fighting crime like “tougher sentences for criminal gun, fentanyl and human traffickers.”

From Salon ● Apr. 29, 2026

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---