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
That leads to the release of histamines into the blood.
—
USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Antihistamines help block the production of histamine, an immune system chemical.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Without these attachment points, histamine cannot act on the body and cause allergy symptoms.
—Daniel More, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2024
The immune system then releases chemical compounds such as histamine, which causes those hallmark symptoms of allergies.
—Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024
But the researchers found something else, too, in their bladders: mast cells, immune cells that play a role in allergies and asthma by releasing the chemical histamine.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024
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
USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
Antihistamines help block the production of histamine, an immune system chemical.
—Karen Pallarito, Health, 24 Mar. 2024
Without these attachment points, histamine cannot act on the body and cause allergy symptoms.
—Daniel More, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2024
The immune system then releases chemical compounds such as histamine, which causes those hallmark symptoms of allergies.
—Daniel Peck, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024
But the researchers found something else, too, in their bladders: mast cells, immune cells that play a role in allergies and asthma by releasing the chemical histamine.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024
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
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Histamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histamine. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
-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
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