histamine

noun

his·​ta·​mine ˈhi-stə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce histamine (audio)
: a compound C5H9N3 especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine

Examples of histamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some next-level treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as antacids, foaming agents, histamine (H2) blockers or protein pump inhibitors. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 When the immunoglobulin attacks the allergen, your body releases histamine, a chemical critical to inflammation (which, again, is really important when you are actually exposed to a dangerous parasite or virus). Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Apr. 2025 The release of histamine, and other chemical mediators released by the mast cell, can lead to inflammation in the body, Bassett said. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 The immediate rashes or hives appear due to the release of histamine. Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for histamine

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine

First Known Use

circa 1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of histamine was circa 1913

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Cite this Entry

“Histamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/histamine. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

histamine

noun
his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio)
-mən
: a compound that occurs in many animal tissues and plays an important part in allergic reactions (as in hives, asthma, and hay fever)

Medical Definition

histamine

noun
his·​ta·​mine ˈhis-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce histamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce histamine (audio)
: a compound C5H9N3 especially of mammalian tissues that causes dilatation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion, that is released during allergic reactions, and that is formed by decarboxylation of histidine
histaminic adjective

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