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

Loading your audio article A professional boxer who was allegedly under the influence of fentanyl when he was involved in a grisly head-on crash that left a New Jersey woman dead is facing new charges in the case. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 July 2024

Funder is a mother from California whose 15-year-old son, Weston, died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2022. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 July 2024

The analysis included more than 50,000 urine samples that tested positive for fentanyl between April 12, 2023, and April 11, 2024. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 16 July 2024

Alejandro Lopez, 20, was sentenced earlier this month to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, court records show. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 10 July 2024

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.