bradykinin

noun

bra·​dy·​ki·​nin ˌbrā-di-ˈkī-nən How to pronounce bradykinin (audio)
: a kinin that is formed locally in injured tissue, acts in vasodilation of small arterioles, is considered to play a part in inflammatory processes, and is composed of a chain of nine amino acid residues

Examples of bradykinin 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.
In people with hereditary angioedema, stress, illness, or trauma can trigger high blood levels of bradykinin, producing severe swelling of limbs, the abdomen, or even the throat, which can suffocate a person. Byjocelyn Kaiser, science.org, 16 Sep. 2022 Dysregulation of the bradykinin system can cause blood vessels to essentially leak—which could explain why doctors were seeing patients with so much fluid in their lungs. Doug Strickland, Popular Mechanics, 6 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bradykinin was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Bradykinin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bradykinin. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

bradykinin

noun
bra·​dy·​ki·​nin -ˈkī-nən How to pronounce bradykinin (audio)
: a kinin that is formed locally in injured tissue, acts in vasodilation of small arterioles, is considered to play a part in inflammatory processes, and is composed of a chain of nine amino acid residues see kallidin

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