ivermectin

noun

iver·​mec·​tin ˌī-vər-ˈmek-tən 

: a drug mixture of two structurally similar semisynthetic lactones that is used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic, acaricide, and insecticide and in human medicine to treat onchocerciasis

Examples of ivermectin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, after Gibson’s endorsement, prescription rates for ivermectin and benzimidazole doubled from January 2025 to July 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, the study found. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 12 May 2026

People claiming that ivermectin could be effective against the hantavirus. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 11 May 2026

Despite a viral online claim, scientists and doctors have repeatedly said the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin is not a proven treatment. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Another provision allows pharmacists to provide ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug often prescribed for animals, over-the-counter for adults without a prescription. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from di- + New Latin avermitilis (specific epithet of Streptomyces avermitilis, bacterium from which it is derived) + English -ect- (of unknown origin) + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ivermectin

• fibronectin
• amylopectin
• lectin
• pecten
• pectin
• selectin

Medical Definition

ivermectin

noun

iver·​mec·​tin ˌī-vər-ˈmek-tən 

: a drug mixture of two structurally similar semisynthetic macrocyclic lactones that is a derivative of avermectin used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic, acaricide, and insecticide and in human medicine to treat onchocerciasis