histamine

American

[his-tuh-meen, -min] / ˈhɪs təˌmin, -mɪn /

Also histamin

noun

Biochemistry, Physiology. a heterocyclic amine, C 5 H 9 N 3 , released by mast cells when tissue is injured or in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing dilation of small blood vessels and smooth muscle contraction.
Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from histidine and used chiefly in the diagnosis of gastric and circulatory functions.

histamine British

/ ˈhɪstəˌmiːn, -mɪn /

noun

an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C 5 H 9 N 3 See also antihistamine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

histamine Scientific

/ hĭs′tə-mēn′ /

An organic compound found widely in animals and plants that in humans and other mammals is released as part of the body's immune response, causing physiological changes including dilation of the blood vessels, contraction of smooth muscle (as in the airways), and increased gastric acid secretion. The itching and sneezing typical of respiratory allergies are caused by the release of histamine. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₉ N ₃

Other Word Forms

histaminic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of histamine

First recorded in 1910–15; hist(idine) + -amine

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

histamine

These white blood cells are loaded with small sacs called "granules," which are full of enzymes and signaling molecules like histamine.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 1, 2024

Those intolerant to histamine may grapple with these symptoms because their body is unable to break down and eliminate this compound.

From Salon ● Jan. 8, 2024

Another possible culprit is histamine - an ingredient more common in red wine than white or rose.

From BBC ● Nov. 20, 2023

She is curious how increasing levels of serotonin or histamine in the skin might change what happens in the brain, at the other end of the transmission.

From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2023

The crystals they obtained wore contaminated with histamine.

From The Vitamine Manual by Walter H. Eddy

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023