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

In the early stages of pregnancy, at or before 10 weeks, a pregnant person can take a pill called misoprostol, with or without mifepristone, to simulate an early miscarriage. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

In another case out of Texas, a group of doctors sued the Food and Drug Administration over the use of mifepristone for abortions. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

The document says the Food and Drug Administration should reverse its approval of mifepristone, the drug used in almost two-thirds of abortions in the U.S. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024

If mifepristone were to remain approved, Project 2025 recommends new rules, such as cutting its use from 10 weeks into pregnancy to seven. —Samantha Putterman, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Aug. 2024

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