benzimidazole
noun
benz·imid·azole
ˌben-zə-ˈmi-də-ˌzōl 
ˌben-ˌzi-mə-ˈda-ˌzōl
ˌben-ˌzi-mə-ˈda-ˌzōl
-ˈdā-
: a crystalline base C7H6N2 that is composed of a benzene ring fused with an imidazole ring and is structurally similar to purine
also
: any of various derivatives (such as thiabendazole, omeprazole, or benomyl) of this base typically possessing therapeutic properties including broad-spectrum anthelmintic, fungicidal, or antimicrobial action
Examples of benzimidazole in a Sentence
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Hookworm is typically treated with one of three classes of antiparasitic drugs: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones or tetrahydropyrimidines.
—
Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
Synthesized in the 1950s for research, nitazene compounds are synthetic opioids that belong to a drug class called benzimidazole-opioids, according to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Laboratory Division.
—Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2022
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Bradley Van Paridon, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
Synthesized in the 1950s for research, nitazene compounds are synthetic opioids that belong to a drug class called benzimidazole-opioids, according to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Laboratory Division.
—Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Benzimidazole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzimidazole. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
benzimidazole
noun
benz·imid·azole
ˌben-ˌzim-ə-ˈdaz-ˌōl
ˌben-zə-ˈmid-ə-ˌzōl
ˌben-zə-ˈmid-ə-ˌzōl
: a crystalline base C7H6N2 used especially to inhibit the growth of various viruses, parasitic worms, and fungi
also
: one of its derivatives
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