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

The fentanyl issue Opioid overdose, particularly from fentanyl, is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., killing about 75,000 people last year according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Asia, 26 Nov. 2024

However, Mexico’s efforts to fight drugs like the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl — which is manufactured by Mexican cartels using chemicals imported from China — have weakened in the last year. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024

He's also linked the influx of migrants to the spread of fentanyl in downtown Salt Lake City, a claim Mayor Erin Mendenhall refuted. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024

According to documents in the case, on three occasions between March and April of 2021, law enforcement purchased fentanyl from Kirby in Hammond. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Nov. 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.