mifepristone

noun

mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpri-ˌstōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio)
mi-ˈfe-pri-ˌstōn
: a drug C29H35NO2 taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

Examples of mifepristone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Last August the appeals court upheld the lower court’s restrictions on mifepristone. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 18 June 2024 Studies have shown that mifepristone has been shown to decrease fibroid size. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 14 June 2024 However, the right to access mifepristone doesn’t apply in every state. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 14 June 2024 More than 6 million people have used mifepristone since 2000. Mark Sherman, Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for mifepristone 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mifepristone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from amino + fe- (alteration of phen-) + pri- (alteration of prop-) + estradiol + -one

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mifepristone was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near mifepristone

Cite this Entry

“Mifepristone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mifepristone. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

Medical Definition

mifepristone

noun
mi·​fep·​ris·​tone ˌmi-fə-ˈpris-ˌtōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio) mi-ˈfep-ri-ˌstōn How to pronounce mifepristone (audio)
: a drug C29H35NO2 taken orally to induce abortion especially early in pregnancy by blocking the body's use of progesterone

called also RU-486

More from Merriam-Webster on mifepristone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!