histamine
noun
his·ta·mine
ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn 
-mən
-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
Benadryl Facts Like hydroxyzine, Benadryl also blocks the effects of histamine, which helps to decrease inflammation and allergy symptoms.
—
Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Studies suggest some children with behavioral challenges like ADHD appear to be sensitive to food dyes, and that genetic variants affecting the body’s ability to break down histamine are a likely cause.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Prescription Antihistamines Prescription antihistamines help relieve hives by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers itching, swelling, and redness.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
As the histamines work to diffuse the allergen, itching and swelling will occur, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
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Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Studies suggest some children with behavioral challenges like ADHD appear to be sensitive to food dyes, and that genetic variants affecting the body’s ability to break down histamine are a likely cause.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Prescription Antihistamines Prescription antihistamines help relieve hives by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers itching, swelling, and redness.
—Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025
As the histamines work to diffuse the allergen, itching and swelling will occur, according to Cleveland Clinic.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 25 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for histamine
Cite this Entry
“Histamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histamine. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
-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
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