acetaminophen

noun

acet·​amin·​o·​phen ə-ˌsē-tə-ˈmi-nə-fən 

ˌa-sə-tə-

: a crystalline compound C₈H₉NO₂ that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine to relieve pain and fever

Examples of acetaminophen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Incidence of side effects associated with acetaminophen in people aged 65 years or more: a prospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Arthritis Care & Research. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

One study from 2023 showed that frequent users of acetaminophen may be at higher risk of persistent tinnitus. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Spondylolisthesis symptoms can improve with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, corticosteroids, a prescription anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and wearing a back brace to stabilize your spine, according to Cleveland Clinic. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Among the drugs found in the home, according to MSP: Over 500 grams of methamphetamine; 10 grams of heroin; 6 grams of cocaine; and 371 grams of various pills, including oxycodone, gabapentin, and acetaminophen. —Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

acet(yl) + amino + phen(ol)

Note: Shortened from N-acetyl-p-aminophenol. Acetaminophen was introduced as a generic name roughly coincident with the introduction of the trademark preparation Tylenol, which was first marketed as "Children's Tylenol Elixir" in 1955 by McNeil Laboratories. Synthesis of the substance, as acetylamidophenol, was first reported in Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft, 11. Jahrgang (Jan.-Juni, 1878), p. 232-33 (H. N. Morse, "Ueber eine neue Darstellungsmethode der Acetylamidophenole"). Its antipyretic properties were recognized by the German physician Josef von Mering in the 1893 article "Beiträge zur Kenntniss der Antipyretica" (Therapeutische Monatshefte, 7, pp. 577-87)—he also refers to it as acetylamidophenol.

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acetaminophen

noun

acet·​amin·​o·​phen ə-ˌsēt-ə-ˈmin-ə-fən 

: a crystalline compound used in medicine to relieve pain and fever

Medical Definition

acetaminophen

noun

acet·​amin·​o·​phen ə-ˌsēt-ə-ˈmin-ə-fən  ˌas-ət- 

: a crystalline compound C₈H₉NO₂ that is a hydroxy derivative of acetanilide and is used in chemical synthesis and in medicine instead of aspirin to relieve pain and fever

called also paracetamol

see liquiprin, panadol, tylenol