phenytoin

[ fen-i-toh-in, fuh-nit-oh- ]
/ ˌfɛn ɪˈtoʊ ɪn, fəˈnɪt oʊ- /

noun Pharmacology.

a barbiturate-related substance, C15H12N2O2, used as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of grand mal epilepsy and in focal seizures.

Origin of phenytoin

1940–45; (di)pheny(lhydan)toin, its full chemical name; see di-1, phenyl, hydantoin

Words nearby phenytoin

phenylpropanolamine, phenylpropyl acetate, phenylpyruvic oligophrenia, phenylthiocarbamide, phenylthiourea, phenytoin, pheo-, pheochrome, pheochromocyte, pheochromocytoma, pheon

British Dictionary definitions for phenytoin

phenytoin
/ (ˌfɛnɪˈtəʊɪn) /

noun

an anticonvulsant drug used in the management of epilepsy and in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Formula: C 15 H 11 N 2 O 2 Na Also called: diphenylhydantoin sodium

Word Origin for phenytoin

C20: from ( di) pheny ( lhydan) toin

Medical definitions for phenytoin

phenytoin
[ fĕn′ĭ-tō′ĭn, fə-nĭt′ō- ]

n.

An anticonvulsant drug chemically related to the barbiturates and used most commonly in the treatment of epilepsy.