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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
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, whereas finasteride is a 5a-reductase inhibitor.23
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical product for males and females to apply to the scalp.43 Minoxidil also has a tablet form, which is used for high blood pressure.
—Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024
Some examples of natural vasodilators include:95 Ginger Ginkgo biloba
Glycine propionyl-L-carnitine (GPLC)
L-arginine
L-citrulline
Nitric oxide
Turmeric
These substances and others can have a vasodilatory effect, but controlling the exact amount of vasodilation can be challenging.
—Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024
If that doesn’t work, then maybe a beta blocker is used to reduce heart activity, or a vasodilator to control the diameter of vessels.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 Jan. 2024
Analgesics dull sensation, anti-inflammatories inhibit irritation, and vasodilators and anticoagulants keep the blood flowing.
—Richard S. Ostfeld, STAT, 31 July 2023
The repeated and completely transient nature of our patient’s symptoms supports the fact that embolism was not involved, whereas the resolution of the symptoms after initiation of the treatment with the vasodilator enalapril supports vasoconstriction as the cause of transient blindness.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2014
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow throughout the body.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023
The gel's active ingredient, glyceryl nitrate, has been used for as a vasodilator for over a century.
—Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2011
Antidepressants were a bit less publishable; antipsychotics were markedly worse; and only just over half of the vasodilator trials did.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2010
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vasodilator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1881, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vasodilator
Cite this Entry
“Vasodilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasodilator. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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
: relating to, inducing, or initiating vasodilation
a drug with a vasodilator effect
More from Merriam-Webster on vasodilator
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vasodilator
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