fentanyl

[fen-tuh-nil]

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

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

1. a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

Word History and Origins

Origin of fentanyl¹

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

Example Sentences

Patients exposed to music required lower doses of propofol and fentanyl.

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All received the same five-drug regimen: a drug that prevents nausea and vomiting, a sedative, fentanyl, propofol and a muscle relaxant.

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Experts say Venezuela is a not a significant producer of fentanyl.

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Instead of significantly reducing the flow of drugs to the U.S. and other countries, the shift to unilateral military operations that have killed at least 79 suspected smugglers could in the long run undercut the decades-old fight to keep cocaine, fentanyl and other substances out of North America, Europe and Asia, foreign and former officials say.

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For many people, opioid addiction begins with prescribed pain pills, such as OxyContin, before they increase their consumption and eventually turn to illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic opioid.

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