mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpri-ˌstōn 

mi-ˈfe-pri-ˌstōn

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

Examples of mifepristone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lawsuit focuses on mifepristone, a drug that stops pregnancies. —CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens haven't stopped prescribing mifepristone in legal states, though both maintain strict controls to limit liability. —Luke Fountain, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025

Activists triggered The approval of a second generic mifepristone has triggered fury among activists. —Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025

While lawmakers want the administration to take executive action on mifepristone, there are also legal cases that could restrict access to the drug. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + fe- (alteration of phen-) + pri- (alteration of prop-) + estradiol + -one

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mifepristone

• aldosterone
• anticyclone
• progesterone
• testosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone

Medical Definition

mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpris-ˌtōn  mi-ˈfep-ri-ˌstōn 

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486