mefenamic acid

[mef-uh-nam-ik, mef-]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white powder, C 1 5 H 1 5 NO 2 , used as a mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic in certain types of arthritis and for the relief of moderate short-term pain due to dysmenorrhea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mefenamic acid¹

1960–65; me(thyl) + -fen-, respelling of phen(yl) + am(inobenzo)ic acid

Example Sentences

Most favored today are three drugs used against arthritis: ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and mefenamic acid.

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