fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

nonstandard -ˌnȯl

: 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

The couple married following several difficult years for Harrison, including the death of his son Adam in January 2024 at 39 from an accidental fentanyl overdose after years of struggling with addiction. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Additionally, the drug supply is always changing, with the potency of fentanyl declining in recent years. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Sep. 2026

The protocols, Comer said, should have prevented the fentanyl from hitting the streets in such large numbers. — Joshua Goodman, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The group is also responsible for shootings, killings, kidnappings and assaults and the distribution of at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics, Blanche said. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for fentanyl

• bunnell
• funnel
• tunnel
• multifunctional

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.