vincristine

noun

vin·cris·tine (ˌ)vin-ˈkri-ˌstēn

: an alkaloid C₄₆H₅₆N₄O₁₀ from the rosy periwinkle used especially in the form of its sulfate to treat some human neoplastic diseases (such as acute leukemia)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Later that month, another drug shortage threatened to delay Abby’s treatment, but for a chemotherapy drug that’s a mainstay for many types of pediatric cancer treatment: vincristine. —

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 29 Dec. 2022 Medications like chemotherapy drugs vincristine (Marqibo), paclitaxel (Abraxane) can also exacerbate symptoms, the Mayo Clinic says. —

Korin Miller, Health.com, 28 Sep. 2021 The average sales price for a vial of vincristine is about $5, according to the Children’s Oncology Group letter. —

Todd Ackerman, ExpressNews.com, 25 Oct. 2019 Until earlier this year, there were two suppliers of vincristine: Pfizer and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. —

Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2019 In the case of vincristine, for example, the medication was only made by two companies. —

NBC News, 2 Nov. 2019 The Food and Drug Administration, whose website lists vincristine as currently in shortage, says deliveries should resume later this month. —

Todd Ackerman, ExpressNews.com, 25 Oct. 2019 When treated with carboplatin and vincristine, the two chemotherapy drugs Zahler had recommended, 70 percent of patients saw their tumors shrink or stabilize, the doctor said. —

Andrea Simakis, cleveland.com, 13 May 2018 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vincristine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

vinca + Latin crista crest + English -ine entry 2 — more at crest

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of vincristine was circa 1962

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vincristine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vincristine. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

vincristine

noun

vin·cris·tine (ˈ)vin-ˈkris-ˌtēn

: an alkaloid that is obtained from the rosy periwinkle and that is used especially in the form of its sulfate C₄₆H₅₆N₄O₁₀·H₂SO₄ to treat some human neoplastic diseases (as acute leukemia)

called also leurocristine

see oncovin