fentanyl

noun fen·ta·nyl \ ˈfen-tə-ˌnil \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of fentanyl

: 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)

Recent Examples of fentanyl from the Web

Opioids are an addictive class of drugs that includes both prescription medicines like Vicodin and OxyContin and illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl.

— matthew perrone, BostonGlobe.com, "Poll shows complex views on prescription drug addiction," 6 Apr. 2018
The heroin contained furanyl fentanyl, an extremely potent and deadly synthetic opioid.

— amanda marrazzo, McHenry County, "Huntley man pleads guilty to unlawful delivery in heroin overdose death," 5 Apr. 2018
Addiction to opioid painkillers, including prescription drugs such a Vicodin and OxyContin and illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl, is causing deep problems across the country.

— Washington Post, "States: Federal money for opioid crisis a small step forward," 25 Mar. 2018
The boy's father died in January 2016 from an overdose caused by heroin and fentanyl.

— kevin grasha, Cincinnati.com, "Attorney: Boy once accused in grandfather's death left 'traumatized'," 24 Mar. 2018
Since then, charges have been filed against three alleged drug dealers who are accused of providing heroin or fentanyl to customers who later overdosed in North County.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Surge in opioid enforcement nets 53 prosecutions in San Diego and Imperial counties," 22 Mar. 2018
Addiction to opioids – mainly prescription painkillers, heroin and fentanyl – is a growing U.S. problem, especially in rural areas.

— author: roberta rampton, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump calls for drug-dealer death penalty as response to opioid crisis," 19 Mar. 2018
Investigators with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office carry doses of Narcan, a drug that has saved countless addicts who have overdosed on heroin and fentanyl.

— lawrence mower, miamiherald, "Lawmakers set to approve massive opioid bill, but it could have been more | Miami Herald," 7 Mar. 2018
The goal is to help prevent people from getting hooked on prescription opioids, which can lead to turning to street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl.

— orlando sentinel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Florida House OKs opioid prescription limits," 1 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fentanyl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of fentanyl

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1964

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

fentanyl

noun fen·ta·nyl \ ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil \

medical Definition of fentanyl

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.

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