beta blocker

or be·ta-block·er

noun Pharmacology.

any of various substances that interfere with the action of the beta receptors: used primarily to reduce the heart rate or force in the prevention, management, or treatment of angina, hypertension, or arrythmias.
Compare alpha blocker.

Origin of beta blocker

First recorded in 1975–80

OTHER WORDS FROM beta blocker

be·ta-block·ing, adjective

Words nearby beta blocker

bet, bet on the wrong horse, bet one's ass, bet., beta, beta blocker, beta brass, beta carotene, beta cell, beta coefficient, beta crucis

Example sentences from the Web for beta-blocker

  • Their work has focused on Propranolol, a beta-blocker that has been on the market for several years to treat hypertension.

    How to Erase Your Memories |Casey Schwartz |November 7, 2008 |DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for beta-blocker

beta-blocker

noun

any of a class of drugs, such as propranolol, that inhibit the activity of the nerves that are stimulated by adrenaline; they therefore decrease the contraction and speed of the heart: used in the treatment of high blood pressure and angina pectoris

Medical definitions for beta-blocker

beta-blocker

n.

A drug that opposes the excitatory effects of norepinephrine released from sympathetic nerve endings at beta-adrenergic receptors and is used for the treatment of angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, and migraine. beta-adrenergic blocking agent

Scientific definitions for beta-blocker

beta-blocker
[ bā′tə-blŏk′ər ]

A drug that blocks the excitatory effects of epinephrine on the cardiovascular system by binding to cell-surface receptors (called beta-receptors). Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and certain abnormal heart rhythms.