leukotriene

noun

leu·​ko·​tri·​ene ˌlü-kō-ˈtrī-ˌēn How to pronounce leukotriene (audio)
: any of a group of eicosanoids that participate in allergic responses (such as bronchial constriction)

Examples of leukotriene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drugs that block leukotriene production (like zileuton) or leukotriene receptors (like montelukast, also commonly used for asthma) are already approved for other uses, which could speed up testing for food allergy applications, the study suggests. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Quercetin blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins.31 Due to limited research, there is no recommended or usual dose. Carol Eustice, Verywell Health, 18 Aug. 2025 What Are the Safest Allergy Medications for Daily Use? Nasal steroid sprays and prescription medications, such as leukotriene receptor antagonists like montelukast (Singulair), are the safest allergy medications for long-term use. Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Apr. 2025 Other medications include what are known as leukotriene modifiers, which block the action of inflammatory chemicals the immune system produces in the presence of allergens. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 25 June 2024 Seasonal allergies are the body’s response to pollen from trees and grass; the immune system releases chemicals, like histamines, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which cause all those uncomfortable, familiar symptoms. Allie Volpe, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leukotriene was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Leukotriene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leukotriene. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

leukotriene

noun
leu·​ko·​tri·​ene ˌlü-kə-ˈtrī-ˌēn How to pronounce leukotriene (audio)
: any of a group of eicosanoids that are generated in basophils, mast cells, macrophages, and human lung tissue by lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxygenation especially of arachidonic acid and that participate in allergic responses (as bronchoconstriction in asthma) see slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis

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