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

There was also interest, at that time, to correct the de minimis issue, but mostly because of the massive amount of fentanyl that was coursing through the direct-to-consumer mail. —Rick Helfenbein, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Trump recently announced plans to slap 25% tariffs on Mexico and other top trading partners in part to curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. California voters wanted stricter penalties for crime. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

But that three-way integration is facing headwinds, not least from Trump, who on Monday threatened United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) partners with 25 percent across-the-board tariffs on day one of his presidency in retaliation for their roles in migration and the illicit fentanyl trade. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 30 Nov. 2024

Trump has also gone so far as to threaten unilateral U.S. military action to stop the arrival of fentanyl from Mexico, where the opioid is made by crime groups using chemicals imported from Asia. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 29 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.