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

It is renin that starts a series of reactions, leading to the production of the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II and the salt-retaining steroid aldosterone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor, greatly increasing blood pressure.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

It is wise to remember that the vasoconstrictor nerves are one in kind with the excitor nerves of the heart, while the vasodilators are in like manner associated with the vagus.

From Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say by Allen, Martha Meir