mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpri-ˌstōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio)
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
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.
If the justices decide the case in Louisiana's favor then mifepristone would no longer be available via telemedicine nationally. Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 25 June 2026 Misoprostol clears all pregnancy tissue in roughly 85% to 90% of cases, versus 95% when paired with mifepristone. Rachel Rebouché, The Conversation, 23 June 2026 The ruling also banned filling a prescription for mifepristone at a retail pharmacy. Amy Hagstrom Miller, Washington Post, 9 June 2026 Pay no attention to the fact that it was proposed three weeks after the EPA came out hard against three-eyed fish, or that only three months ago, this same Legislature considered $100,000 court payouts to snitches willing to rat out mifepristone providers. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for mifepristone

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mifepristone was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Mifepristone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mifepristone. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

mifepristone

noun
mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpris-ˌtōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio) mi-ˈfep-ri-ˌstōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio)
: a drug C29H35NO2 taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

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