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

All eyes were on how the leaders of the world’s two biggest economies would sort out their differences on a range of topics from soybeans and fentanyl to rare earth minerals and high-end computer chips. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

In February, Pearce was convicted of fatally drugging model Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola with fentanyl after a party in November 2021. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025

Alongside the minerals deal, Xi reportedly agreed to purchase additional American soybeans and to strengthen enforcement against the export of chemical precursors used to produce fentanyl—long a major sticking point in bilateral talks. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Trump agreed to lower tariffs on China in exchange for a resumption of agricultural exports, a reduction chemicals to make fentanyl and access to rare-earth minerals. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 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.