histamine

[ his-tuh-meen, -min ]

noun
  1. Biochemistry, Physiology. a heterocyclic amine, C5H9N3, released by mast cells when tissue is injured or in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing dilation of small blood vessels and smooth muscle contraction.

  2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this compound, obtained from histidine and used chiefly in the diagnosis of gastric and circulatory functions.

Origin of histamine

1
First recorded in 1910–15; hist(idine) + -amine
  • Also his·ta·min [his-tuh-min]. /ˈhɪs tə mɪn/.

Other words from histamine

  • his·ta·min·ic [his-tuh-min-ik], /ˌhɪs təˈmɪn ɪk/, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for histamine

histamine

/ (ˈhɪstəˌmiːn, -mɪn) /


noun
  1. an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C 5 H 9 N 3: See also antihistamine

Origin of histamine

1
C20: from hist (idine) + -amine

Derived forms of histamine

  • histaminic (ˌhɪstəˈmɪnɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for histamine

histamine

[ hĭstə-mēn′ ]


  1. An organic compound found widely in animals and plants that in humans and other mammals is released as part of the body's immune response, causing physiological changes including dilation of the blood vessels, contraction of smooth muscle (as in the airways), and increased gastric acid secretion. The itching and sneezing typical of respiratory allergies are caused by the release of histamine. Chemical formula: C5H9N3

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