fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Athol man busted for allegedly selling fentanyl Boston Police arrested a 40-year-old man from Athol Saturday after recovering 32 grams of fentanyl. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026

Jackson County prosecutors have charged two Kansas City residents with trafficking fentanyl that authorities believe is tied to seven overdoses in the Prospect Avenue Corridor. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026

But 749 died after taking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026

Removed over 31 kilos of cocaine from our streets, removed over 15 kilos of fentanyl from our streets, and seized 81 firearms. —Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.