vasodilator

noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tor ˌvā-zō-dī-ˈlā-tər  -ˈdī-ˌlā- 

: an agent (such as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation

Examples of vasodilator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alcohol is a vasodilator and a diuretic that opens blood vessels near the skin and drives fluid loss through urine, accelerating dehydration and impairing the body’s ability to regulate temperature. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026

That’s in large part because beets are naturally rich in nitrates, a compound that our bodies convert to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that relaxes and widens blood vessels. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026

Minoxidil functions primarily as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels. — Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

Nitric oxide, in turn, is a vasodilator that causes blood vessels to widen (dilate). — Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2025

Some, such as vasodilators, relax and widen arteries and veins to allow blood to get through easier and increase flow. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2025

As a vasodilator, marijuana increases blood flow, heightening sensitivity in erogenous zones. — Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + dilator, after French vaso-dilateur

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasodilator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator

Medical Definition

vasodilator

1 of 2 noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tor ˌvā-zō-ˈdī-ˌlāt-ər 

: an agent (as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation

vasodilator

2 of 2 adjective

variants also vasodilatory

-ˈdil-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˈdī-lə-, -ˌtȯr- 

: relating to, inducing, or initiating vasodilation

a drug with a vasodilator effect