indomethacin

noun

in·​do·​meth·​a·​cin ˌin-dō-ˈme-thə-sən How to pronounce indomethacin (audio)
: a nonsteroidal drug C19H16ClNO4 with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties used especially to treat painful inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis)

Examples of indomethacin in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
NSAIDs can be purchased over-the-counter, such as naproxen, but generally, doctors will prescribe a clinical-strength version for ankylosing spondylitis patients, such as indomethacin. — Health.com, 26 Jan. 2022 This is usually accomplished with prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin, per the Spondylitis Association of America. — Colleen Stinchcombe, Health.com, 24 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

indole + meth- + acetic acid + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indomethacin was in 1963

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“Indomethacin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indomethacin. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

indomethacin

noun
in·​do·​meth·​a·​cin ˌin-dō-ˈmeth-ə-sən How to pronounce indomethacin (audio)
: an NSAID C19H16ClNO4 with analgesic and antipyretic properties used especially to treat painful inflammatory conditions (as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) see indocin

More from Merriam-Webster on indomethacin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indomethacin

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