fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. —Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Flashback: Earlier this year, sources of fentanyl appeared to be drying up in some parts of the country, NPR reported. —Tina Reed, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

While fentanyl can be deadly in very low quantities, the concentration of the drug also makes a big difference. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Dec. 2024

In a post last month on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump threatened a 10% tariff on goods coming into the U.S. from China because of the amount of fentanyl and other drugs entering the U.S. from there. —Deepa Shivaram, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.