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

According to the post, detectives seized one pound of pure fentanyl, which police said is enough to kill around 225,000 people. —Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Sep. 2025

In a September 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Presley recounted helping Garcia through fentanyl and heroin withdrawal. —Stephanie Kaloi, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025

Baker tested positive for PCP, methamphetamine and fentanyl, Birney said, and investigators believed a screwdriver, fork and scissors were used in the attack. —City News Service, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, on issues like tariffs, fentanyl and semiconductors, even less has been said by either side. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 24 Sep. 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.