vasodilator
noun
va·so·di·la·tor
ˌvā-zō-dī-ˈlā-tər 
-ˈdī-ˌlā-
-ˈdī-ˌlā-
: an agent (such as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation
Examples of vasodilator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beetroot powder is rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide—a vasodilator that widens blood vessels.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Rosemary is a vasodilator, according to VeryWell Health, which can improve blood flow — this has led researchers to believe the ingredient stimulates hair follicles and improves scalp health.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which causes blood vessels to expand and can lead to a temporary flushing of the skin (especially on your face).
—Sanjana Ray, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2024
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that enlarges blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to be delivered to muscles.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, whereas finasteride is a 5a-reductase inhibitor.23
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical product for males and females to apply to the scalp.43 Minoxidil also has a tablet form, which is used for high blood pressure.
—Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024
Some examples of natural vasodilators include:95 Ginger Ginkgo biloba
Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC)
L-arginine
L-citrulline
Nitric oxide
Turmeric
These substances and others can have a vasodilatory effect, but controlling the exact amount of vasodilation can be challenging.
—Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024
If that doesn’t work, then maybe a beta blocker is used to reduce heart activity, or a vasodilator to control the diameter of vessels.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024
Analgesics dull sensation, anti-inflammatories inhibit irritation, and vasodilators and anticoagulants keep the blood flowing.
—Richard S. Ostfeld, STAT, 31 July 2023
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.
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Rosemary is a vasodilator, according to VeryWell Health, which can improve blood flow — this has led researchers to believe the ingredient stimulates hair follicles and improves scalp health.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which causes blood vessels to expand and can lead to a temporary flushing of the skin (especially on your face).
—Sanjana Ray, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2024
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that enlarges blood vessels, allowing more oxygen to be delivered to muscles.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, whereas finasteride is a 5a-reductase inhibitor.23
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical product for males and females to apply to the scalp.43 Minoxidil also has a tablet form, which is used for high blood pressure.
—Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024
Some examples of natural vasodilators include:95 Ginger Ginkgo biloba
Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC)
L-arginine
L-citrulline
Nitric oxide
Turmeric
These substances and others can have a vasodilatory effect, but controlling the exact amount of vasodilation can be challenging.
—Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024
If that doesn’t work, then maybe a beta blocker is used to reduce heart activity, or a vasodilator to control the diameter of vessels.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024
Analgesics dull sensation, anti-inflammatories inhibit irritation, and vasodilators and anticoagulants keep the blood flowing.
—Richard S. Ostfeld, STAT, 31 July 2023
Cite this Entry
“Vasodilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasodilator. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
vasodilator
1 of 2 noun
va·so·di·la·tor
ˌvā-zō-ˈdī-ˌlāt-ər
: an agent (as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation
vasodilator
2 of 2 adjective
variants
also vasodilatory
: relating to, inducing, or initiating vasodilation
a drug with a vasodilator effect
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share