antihistamine

[ an-ti-his-tuh-meen, -min ]
/ ˌæn tɪˈhɪs təˌmin, -mɪn /

noun Physiology, Pharmacology.

any of certain compounds or medicines that neutralize or inhibit the effect of histamine in the body, used chiefly in the treatment of allergic disorders and colds.

Origin of antihistamine

First recorded in 1930–35; anti- + histamine

Words nearby antihistamine

antihemorrhagic factor, antihero, antiheroic, antiheroine, antihidrotic, antihistamine, antihistamines, antihistaminic, antihormone, antihuman, antihuman globulin

Example sentences from the Web for antihistamines

British Dictionary definitions for antihistamines

antihistamine
/ (ˌæntɪˈhɪstəˌmiːn, -mɪn) /

noun

any drug that neutralizes the effects of histamine, used esp in the treatment of allergies

Medical definitions for antihistamines

antihistamine
[ ăn′tē-hĭs′tə-mēn′, -mĭn ]

n.

Any of several drugs used to counteract the physiological effects of histamine.

Other words from antihistamine

an′ti•his′ta•mine′ adj.

Scientific definitions for antihistamines

antihistamine
[ ăn′tē-hĭs′tə-mēn′ ]

Any of various drugs that relieve cold or allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine.

Cultural definitions for antihistamines

antihistamines
[ (an-tee-his-tuh-meenz, an-tee-his-tuh-muhnz) ]

Drugs that counteract the effects of a substance in the body called histamine. The body releases histamine, which causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies (sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose), in response to external agents such as pollen.