al·pha-block·er
| \ -ˌbläk-ər
\
\
Medical Definition of alpha-blocker
: any of a group of drugs (as doxazosin and terazosin) that combine with and block the activity of an alpha-receptor to relax smooth muscle (as of blood vessels) and are used especially to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia — compare beta-blocker
Learn More About alpha-blocker
Cite this Entry
“Alpha-blocker.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/alpha-blocker. Accessed 20 Oct. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Farm Idioms Quiz
-
- What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Name that Thing: Musical Instruments
Can you correctly identify these musical instrume...
Take the quiz
-
Surprising Latin American Origins Behind Everyday Words
What treat did the Aztecs refer to as "bitter wat...
Take the quiz
-
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz
Share alpha-blocker