histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a compound C₅H₉N₃ especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

Examples of histamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plus, probiotic foods aren’t ideal for everyone—including those with histamine intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or active gut issues. —Michele Ross, SELF, 24 Feb. 2026

Allergies Research suggests perimenopausal women experience an increase in histamine, the chemical responsible for allergies. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

When a person comes into contact with one of their allergens, their body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Feb. 2026

Allergies work in a similar way, as the release of histamine causes swelling and excess mucus that stimulate cough receptors. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for histamine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Kids Definition

histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a compound that occurs in many animal tissues and plays an important part in allergic reactions (as in hives, asthma, and hay fever)

Medical Definition

histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a compound C₅H₉N₃ especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilatation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

histaminic

ˌhis-tə-ˈmin-ik 

adjective