metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers said future studies should explore how to preserve the benefits of both treatments, and the Rutgers team is now testing whether metformin interacts differently with resistance or strength training and whether adjusting dosage or timing could reduce the effect. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

Type 2 diabetes is commonly treated with metformin, a daily oral medication, and could be accompanied by insulin therapy. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

This can include oral medicines, such as metformin, or injectable medicines, such as Ozempic (semaglutide). —Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 1 Oct. 2025

In addition to lifestyle changes, treatments include insulin, metformin, and newer medications like GLP-1s. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metformin

• longshoreman
• longshoremen
• corpsman
• foreman
• foremen
• mormon
• warman

Medical Definition

metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.