mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpri-ˌstōn 

mi-ˈfe-pri-ˌstōn

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

Examples of mifepristone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During nearly two hours of oral argument, the Supreme Court seemed unlikely to limit mifepristone. —Caroline Kitchener, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2024

How the case arrived at the Supreme Court The FDA first approved mifepristone in 2000. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2024

The court's decision in the mifepristone case, expected this summer, could have a long-term impact on the FDA’s ability to make decisions about the safety of all drugs. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024

However, California has taken action to defend access to mifepristone. —Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 26 Mar. 2024

While some justices asked about the impact a court decision could have on FDA’s authority — and Alito questioned whether that authority should go unchecked — most appeared wary of the plaintiff’s claims that increased mifepristone access harmed them. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 26 Mar. 2024

Two-thirds of Americans said mifepristone should remain on the market, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll in May 2023. —Ann E. Marimow and Caroline Kitchener The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 25 Mar. 2024

Will other pharmacies start dispensing mifepristone? —The Courier-Journal, 6 Mar. 2024

Mar 26, 6:23 AM What is mifepristone at center of Supreme Court battle? —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + fe- (alteration of phen-) + pri- (alteration of prop-) + estradiol + -one

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpris-ˌtōn  mi-ˈfep-ri-ˌstōn 

: a drug C₂₉H₃₅NO₂ taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486