fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

nonstandard -ˌnȯl

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prosecutors said Freire supplied fentanyl disguised as cocaine to two female students at the college. — Lisa Rozner, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Court records show that members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force uncovered evidence that Burruss was reportedly selling fentanyl in and around New Haven. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office in September determined Panettiere died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine, and the manner of death ruled accidental. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

The actress died from a toxic mix of the opioid fentanyl and other drugs, authorities said in September. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fentanyl

• bunnell
• funnel
• tunnel
• multifunctional

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.