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

Mayo Clinic says metformin is generally safe, but can cause digestive side effects and vitamin B12 deficiency in some patients. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Key Takeaways For people with type 2 diabetes, berberine lowers blood sugar as effectively as standard diabetes medication Glucophage (metformin). —Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026

Additionally, medications like metformin and GLP-1s can also be very helpful. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Dec. 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.