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

More problems were found at a factory that Sun had acquired in Detroit, where the diabetes drug metformin was contaminated with metal scrapings. —Debbie Cenziper, ProPublica, 17 June 2025

The effect, however, was much greater in the metformin group. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Another study showed that a combination of the drug metformin and kefir decreased fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 May 2025

Besides lowering blood sugar, metformin reduces viral load and pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to clotting. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

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.