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

After taking metformin for six months, participants reported a 31.3-point reduction in knee pain, compared to an 18.9-point drop in the placebo group. —New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025

Recent research suggests that metformin might influence telomere length and promote healthy aging. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Those with severe kidney disease should not take metformin due to the risk of lactic acidosis.14 As kidney function declines, the kidneys cannot clear lactic acid, which builds up in the blood. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025

Medications such as metformin help manage blood sugar levels and reduce complications. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 4 Mar. 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.