histamine

noun

his·ta·mine | \ ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn

, -mən \

Definition of histamine

: 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 The thinking here, Dr. Tracey said, was that famotidine, as a histamine receptor blocker, is structured in a way that could prevent the coronavirus from replicating. — Amber Brenza, Health.com, 5 Oct. 2020 When they are exposed to the pollen the IgE antibody recognizes the pollen and causes the body to release histamine and other substances that cause sneezing, itching, and swelling. — Ben Flanagan | Bflanagan@al.com, al, 1 Apr. 2021 One theory is that an overactive immune system can cause the release of histamine, similar to what happens when the body encounters an allergen. — Allyson Chiu, Washington Post, 2 Dec. 2020 It's also thought that famotidine's antagonism of the histamine-2 receptor—limiting the body's histamine response—could lessen more serious outcomes. — Amber Brenza, Health.com, 5 Oct. 2020 Humans do have the histamine system to transport cellular water to various parts of the cells, tissues, and organs. — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 30 May 2020 The protein molecules from the protective coating leach into your tissues, and your body reacts by triggering the release of histamines. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 16 May 2020 The production of histamine can cause runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and other symptoms. — Adele Jackson-gibson, Good Housekeeping, 24 Mar. 2020 These meds are generally fast-acting, and work by blocking histamines, the chemicals in your body that turn you into a sneezy, dripping mess. — Lisa Bain, Good Housekeeping, 31 Mar. 2020

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About histamine

Dictionary Entries Near histamine

Statistics for histamine

Last Updated

8 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Histamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histamine. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for histamine

histamine

noun

English Language Learners Definition of histamine

medical : a chemical substance in the body that causes the symptoms that people experience when they are allergic to something

See the full definition for histamine in the English Language Learners Dictionary

histamine

noun

his·ta·mine | \ ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn

, -mən

Medical Definition of histamine

: 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