minoxidil

noun

mi·​nox·​i·​dil mə-ˈnäk-sə-ˌdil 

: a peripheral vasodilator C₉H₁₅N₅O used orally to treat hypertension and topically in a propylene glycol solution to promote hair regrowth in male-pattern baldness

Examples of minoxidil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Initially created as an oral medication to help manage high blood pressure, minoxidil was later discovered to promote hair growth as a beneficial side effect. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Aug. 2025

While minoxidil is not a cure for TE, it has been used off-label for this condition. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 10 July 2025

That’s because minoxidil is technically a drug, and topical formulas were previously only available via prescription—the FDA approved over-the-counter sale of this ingredient in 1996. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 June 2025

According to the American doctor, by 2023, Woods' crown thinning had worsened, and Tiger likely didn't pursue much medical therapy after hair transplant (finasteride or minoxidil), which could have helped preserve density. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + oxi- (alteration of oxy-) + piperidine + -yl

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

minoxidil

noun

min·​ox·​i·​dil min-ˈäk-sə-ˌdil 

: a peripheral vasodilator C₉H₁₅N₅O used orally to treat hypertension and topically in a propylene glycol solution to promote hair regrowth especially in male-pattern baldness see loniten, rogaine