vasodilator

noun

va·​so·​di·​la·​tor ˌvā-zō-dī-ˈlā-tər How to pronounce vasodilator (audio) -ˈdī-ˌlā- How to pronounce vasodilator (audio)
: 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 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 Sponges also have cells called pinacocytes that contract in unison like muscle cells to squeeze the animal and expunge waste or unwanted debris; pinacocytes have some sensory machinery that responds to nitric oxide, a vasodilator. Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2021 In addition to helping prevent forward-head posture, inhaling through your nose expresses nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator that increases oxygenation. Dana Santas, CNN, 23 June 2021

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

Etymology

vaso- + dilator, after French vaso-dilateur

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vasodilator was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near vasodilator

Cite this Entry

“Vasodilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vasodilator. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

vasodilator

1 of 2 noun
va·​so·​di·​la·​tor ˌvā-zō-ˈdī-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce vasodilator (audio)
: an agent (as a parasympathetic nerve fiber or a drug) that induces or initiates vasodilation

vasodilator

2 of 2 adjective
: relating to, inducing, or initiating vasodilation
a drug with a vasodilator effect

More from Merriam-Webster on vasodilator

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