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.

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fentanyl British  

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

1. a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

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Etymology

Origin of fentanyl

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

Example Sentences

On average, these patients received 8 μg more fentanyl during surgery, which researchers described as a modest increase.

From Science Daily • May 20, 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

In a readout, the White House highlighted economic cooperation and building on recent progress to curb fentanyl flow.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Chinese purchases of things like U.S. soybeans, and perhaps more restrictions related to fentanyl.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 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