histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a compound C₅H₉N₃ especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

Examples of histamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dry, itchy skin can sometimes be associated with overactive histamines, and suggests taking a daily antihistamine until the condition has resolved. —Kelsey Eisen, Allure, 28 Oct. 2024

When your immune system detects an allergen, mast cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause your blood vessels to become a bit leaky. —Katie Camero, SELF, 23 Oct. 2024

These medications also affect other neurotransmitters, including histamine and histamine receptors.10 This effect leads to various side effects, including fatigue and sedation. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

Most of these reactions are pseudo allergies, which occur because opioids cause the body to release histamine, leading to symptoms like itching, hives, and sweating. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a compound that occurs in many animal tissues and plays an important part in allergic reactions (as in hives, asthma, and hay fever)

Medical Definition

histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a compound C₅H₉N₃ especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilatation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

histaminic

ˌhis-tə-ˈmin-ik 

adjective