antihistaminic
|an-ti-his-ta-min-ic|
/ˌæn.ti.hɪs.təˈmɪn.ɪk/
against histamine
Etymology
'antihistaminic' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with the modern scientific noun 'histamine' and the adjectival suffix '-ic'. 'histamine' itself was coined from elements relating to Greek 'histos' meaning 'tissue' plus the chemical term 'amine'.
'histamine' was coined in the early 20th century in scientific contexts (from German/Neo-Latin usage) and then combined with the prefix 'anti-' and suffix '-ic' to form 'antihistaminic' in English, yielding the term used in pharmacology and medicine.
Initially it referred specifically to substances or properties that act against histamine; this core meaning has been retained, though usage broadened to describe both drugs (nouns) and their effects or properties (adjectives).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a drug that counteracts the effects of histamine, especially used to relieve allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever, hives).
The doctor prescribed an antihistaminic for her seasonal allergies.
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Adjective 1
acting to oppose, neutralize, or inhibit the effects of histamine.
He noticed some antihistaminic effects after taking the medication.
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Last updated: 2025/09/02 06:39