benzimidazole

noun

benz·​imid·​azole ˌben-zə-ˈmi-də-ˌzōl  ˌben-ˌzi-mə-ˈda-ˌzōl 

-ˈdā-

: a crystalline base C₇H₆N₂ that is composed of a benzene ring fused with an imidazole ring and is structurally similar to purine

also : any of various derivatives (such as thiabendazole, omeprazole, or benomyl) of this base typically possessing therapeutic properties including broad-spectrum anthelmintic, fungicidal, or antimicrobial action

Examples of benzimidazole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prescriptions of ivermectin and the compound benzimidazole among cancer patients increased more than 160% from 2024 to 2025, according to research published in JAMA, which looked at health data of more than 68 million people. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

No clinical trials have supported the safety or effectiveness of ivermectin–benzimidazole for treating cancer, experts noted. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026

Synthesized in the 1950s for research, nitazene compounds are synthetic opioids that belong to a drug class called benzimidazole-opioids, according to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Laboratory Division. — Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for benzimidazole

• fluconazole
• imidazole
• acholi
• emboli
• sertoli
• unholy
• carbazole
• gladioli
• guacamole
• nucleoli
• ravioli
• coaly

Medical Definition

benzimidazole

noun

benz·​imid·​azole ˌben-ˌzim-ə-ˈdaz-ˌōl  ˌben-zə-ˈmid-ə-ˌzōl 

: a crystalline base C₇H₆N₂ used especially to inhibit the growth of various viruses, parasitic worms, and fungi

also : one of its derivatives