fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Operations also resulted in the seizure of 44,569 kilograms of cocaine, 421 kilograms of fentanyl and 2,281 weapons, the release says. —Arkansas Online, 9 Oct. 2025

Prosecutors say the crew trafficked meth, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and PCP while stockpiling guns to enforce orders. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

And in recent years, fentanyl has gotten less potent. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025

There are open-air drug dens where fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, and methamphetamine are bought and sold like candy. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.