fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: 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

During 2023, in San Diego County, 1,203 people died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

The documentary will also delve into the law enforcement and criminal investigation side of things, revealing how special agents brought dealers to justice after selling lethal doses of fentanyl to users. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025

The number of pounds of fentanyl dropped by that percentage between May and June during seizure operations by the California National Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force, the Governor’s Office said in a news release. —Dave Mason, The Washington Examiner, 2 Aug. 2025

Canada faces a 35% tariff The U.S.’s northern neighbor got a higher rate because Trump is dissatisfied with Canada’s efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025

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

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.