histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio)
-mən
: a compound C5H9N3 especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

Examples of histamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, at least one study found no correlation between histamine and RWH, although the sample size was very small. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 The presence of antibodies tells other specialized cells to release histamine, triggering allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and, in severe cases, asthma. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2024 Some researchers previously believed that histamines—compounds involved in the immune response—found in red wine could trigger headaches. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2023 In the past, tannins, sulfites and histamines have been blamed. María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023 Then there are biogenic amines, another fermentation byproduct that contains things like histamine and tyramine, both of which have been linked to headaches. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 Nov. 2023 Allergic reactions involve the immune system’s response, releasing substances like histamines and cytokines. Cathy Cassata, Health, 23 Nov. 2023 Antihistamine creams: These target the histamine released from bug bites and other skin ailments to relieve the itchy symptoms. Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023 Telltale Allergy Symptoms Children get allergies when certain substances (allergens) enter their bodies, and their immune system produces antibodies and histamine to ward off the threat. Nicole Harris, Parents, 10 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'histamine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of histamine was circa 1913

Dictionary Entries Near histamine

Cite this Entry

“Histamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histamine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

histamine

noun
his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio)
-mən
: a compound that occurs in many animal tissues and plays an important part in allergic reactions (as in hives, asthma, and hay fever)

Medical Definition

histamine

noun
his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce histamine (audio)
: a compound C5H9N3 especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilatation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine
histaminic adjective

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