vasoconstrictor

American  

[vas-oh-kuhn-strik-ter, vey-zoh-] / ˌvæs oʊ kənˈstrɪk tər, ˌveɪ zoʊ- /

noun

Physiology, Pharmacology.

1. a nerve or drug that causes vasoconstriction.

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vasoconstrictor British  

/ ˌveɪzəʊkənˈstrɪktə /

noun

1. a drug, agent, or nerve that causes narrowing ( vasoconstriction ) of the walls of blood vessels

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adjective

1. causing vasoconstriction

Other Word Forms

• vasoconstrictive adjective

Etymology

Origin of vasoconstrictor

First recorded in 1875–80; vaso- + constrictor

Example Sentences

Caffeine has vasoconstrictor properties, meaning it causes blood vessels to squeeze together, which can briefly raise heart rate.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2022

ADH also acts as a vasoconstrictor and increases blood pressure during hemorrhaging.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The renal enzyme renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I. The lung enzyme, ACE, converts angiotensin I into active angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is an active vasoconstrictor that increases blood pressure.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

As an extremely potent vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II functions immediately to increase blood pressure.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Digitalis is not a general vasoconstrictor as used to be taught.

From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Warfield, Louis Marshall