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)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Dunn has called for the federal government to do more to stop the flow of fentanyl into the country. —Dallas News, 1 Feb. 2023

Inside his home, agents found marijuana, more than 135 grams of heroin and 150 grams of fentanyl, up to 75,000 potentially lethal doses of the top drug killing Americans. —Beth Warren, The Courier-Journal, 30 Jan. 2023

Tragically, in 2020, at the height of the band’s rapid ascent through the metal ranks, frontman Riley Gale died suddenly as a result of the toxic effects of fentanyl. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 Jan. 2023

Drug overdose deaths in the United States, meanwhile, were soaring to record levels, as Mexico consolidated its role as the No. 1 source of fentanyl in the United States. —Mary Beth Sheridan, Anchorage Daily News, 28 Jan. 2023

Drug overdose deaths in the United States, meanwhile, were soaring to record levels, as Mexico consolidated its role as the No. 1 source of fentanyl in the United States. —Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2023

His office is also allocating $20 million for law enforcement agencies to increase efforts to stop the illicit sale and trafficking of fentanyl. —Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2023

Enriquez's house had reportedly been searched by cops who seized 115 grams of methamphetamine, 18.6 grams of heroin and 50.2 grams of fentanyl, according to KTNV-TV. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2023

They are known to contain lethal doses of fentanyl. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023

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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.