fentanyl

noun

fen·ta·nyl | \ ˈfen-tə-ˌnil

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)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And in that year, fentanyl was the 10th most frequently cited drug and only mentioned in 4 percent of deaths. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Fentanyl Now Officially Causes the Most Drug Overdose Deaths in the U.S.," 20 Dec. 2018 In early February, the New York City medical examiner’s office found Mr. Kroll’s cause of death was an accidental overdose by fentanyl-laced heroin, a phenomenon that has driven a recent increase in fatal overdoses citywide. — Yoree Koh, WSJ, "The Tech Whiz Behind Vine and HQ Trivia Made Millions in His 20s. He Was Dead by 34.," 15 Feb. 2019 China is the major source of fentanyl, which is used as an additive in street drugs. — Carla K. Johnson, The Seattle Times, "Q&A: Feds tackle opioid epidemic, but is it helping?," 28 Jan. 2019 Blake said she was motivated to join the program as its staff doctor in large part due to her son’s death last year from an overdose involving alcohol and fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s increasingly supplanted heroin in the illicit market. — German Lopez, Vox, "A Vermont needle exchange isn’t just giving out syringes. It’s offering treatment on the spot.," 20 Nov. 2018 In their legal quest to avoid a painful death, the prisoners offer up a dark variety of alternatives, including firing squad, sevoflurane gas, diazepam and fentanyl, an oral dose of secobarbital and pentobarbital. — Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, "Arkansas death row inmates want to know where Texas gets its death drugs," 26 June 2018 The contents of the syringe tested positive for fentanyl, a press release said. — Maria Elena Vizcaino, OrlandoSentinel.com, "A Volusia County drug dealer indicted for murder, sheriff says," 25 June 2018 The test strip, originally designed for the medical profession to test urine, can also be used off-label by heroin and cocaine users who fear their drugs have been adulterated with the synthetic opioid fentanyl. — Arian Campo-flores, WSJ, "Fentanyl’s New Foe: A Quick Test Strip That Can Prevent Overdoses," 31 Dec. 2018 Last week, authorities seized 110 pounds of synthetic opioid fentanyl being shipped through Philadelphia. — Aubrey Nagle, Philly.com, "Philly preps for the Fourth, Allentown Cadets march on | Morning Newsletter," 3 July 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.