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

IgE are antibodies that trigger the release of chemicals like histamine, which signal your immune system to react.2 Risk Factors Researchers do not know why some people develop peanut allergies while others do not. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 13 July 2024

Benadryl helps block histamine, a substance that certain cells in your body release during an allergic reaction. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 9 July 2024

As a result, your body sends a chemical called histamine to the sight of the bite, which acts to remove the allergen from your body, causing the itchy sensation. —Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 26 June 2024

Itching This happens because the inflammation and irritation can release histamine, which is the naturally occurring urge-to-scratch chemical. —Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

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