mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpri-ˌstōn 

mi-ˈfe-pri-ˌstōn

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

Examples of mifepristone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As with all drugs, the FDA continues to closely monitor the postmarketing safety data on mifepristone for the medical termination of pregnancy. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

Under the Biden Administration, the DOJ and the FDA defended access to mifepristone. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025

The second was a bottle of misoprostol 200 mcg pills with directions to take four tables after taking the mifepristone pill. —Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024

The Biden Administration helped facilitate access to mifepristone by allowing it to be prescribed via telehealth and received by mail. —Nik Popli, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + fe- (alteration of phen-) + pri- (alteration of prop-) + estradiol + -one

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpris-ˌtōn  mi-ˈfep-ri-ˌstōn 

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486