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

Overton has a record of questioning mifepristone’s safety, including in a 2023 briefing. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

The step is designed to approve a local company's application for importing a two-drug combination pack consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

The step is designed to approve a local company’s application for importing a two-drug combination pack consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol. — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The challenge is backed by Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents Louisiana and wants the Food and Drug Administration to restore in-person requirements for the dispensing of mifepristone. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for mifepristone

• aldosterone
• anticyclone
• hydrocodone
• progesterone
• testosterone
• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone

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