beta blocker

or be·ta-block·er

noun Pharmacology.

any of various substances that interfere with the action of the beta receptors: used primarily to reduce the heart rate or force in the prevention, management, or treatment of angina, hypertension, or arrythmias.

Compare alpha blocker.

Origin of beta blocker

First recorded in 1975–80

Related formsbe·ta-block·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018