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

That could affect drugs such as warfarin, antibiotics, metformin, and Tylenol (acetaminophen). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2025

Could this same circuit be part of metformin’s longevity effects? —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

One medication that might one day prove useful for FFA is metformin, a drug that has FDA approval to treat high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. —Ashley Abramson, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025

Certain conditions, such as pregnancy and type 2 diabetes, require higher B vitamin intake to avoid the risk of a B vitamin deficiency, and certain medications, such as metformin and proton pump inhibitors, also decrease B vitamin levels.1 1. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 31 July 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.