: a usually inert substance (such as gum arabic or starch) that forms a vehicle (as for a drug)

Examples of excipient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There is often a biologic trigger that is being missed: excessive venous pooling from collagen laxity, vascular extravasation from chronic allergy/inflammation from mast cell activation, environmental triggers including food intolerances, medication excipients, mold toxicity, and infections. Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 3 Aug. 2024 Faster production requires the use of excipients, binders, and flow agents, which allow the machines to run at higher speeds. Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin excipient-, excipiens, present participle of excipere to take out, take up — more at except

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excipient was circa 1753

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Cite this Entry

“Excipient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excipient. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

excipient

noun
: a usually inert substance (as gum arabic, syrup, lanolin, or starch) that forms a vehicle (as for a drug or antigen)
especially : one that in the presence of sufficient liquid gives a medicated mixture the adhesive quality needed for the preparation of pills or tablets
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