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

There are several legal challenges and a recent congressional bill that all aim to force the FDA to stop allowing mifepristone to be mailed to patients. —Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026

Multiple states are challenging the federal rules that allow mifepristone to be prescribed via telehealth. —Geoff Mulvihill, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026

The Supreme Court in 2024 rejected a challenge targeting the availability of mifepristone. —CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Texas is challenging the FDA’s longstanding approval of mifepristone itself. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

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