histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn  -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

PureWine removes both the histamines and sulfites that trigger most common wine allergies. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

The mushroom also contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

The center adds that reishi contains immune-modulating polysaccharides that may reduce the over-reactiveness of the immune response and down-regulate histamine levels and inflammation. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

This reaction occurs when mast cells release histamine—a chemical produced by the body that triggers allergic symptoms. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for histamine

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Kids Definition

histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-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  -mən 

: 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

ˌhis-tə-ˈmin-ik 

adjective