antipyrine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “antipyrine” mean?
A colourless crystalline compound formerly used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colourless crystalline compound formerly used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug.
In historical medical contexts, a synthetic drug derived from coal tar used to reduce fever and relieve pain. In modern contexts, it primarily refers to the chemical compound C₁₁H₁₂N₂O with historical significance in pharmacology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The historical context of its use is identical.
Connotations
Connotes historical medicine, early synthetic pharmacology, and obsolete treatments.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, encountered only in specialized historical or chemical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “antipyrine” in a Sentence
The [noun] contained antipyrine.Antipyrine was used to [verb] [condition].Researchers studied the [property] of antipyrine.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antipyrine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The antipyrine solution was prepared.
- An antipyrine-based remedy.
American English
- The antipyrine compound was analyzed.
- Antipyrine derivatives were tested.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical reviews of pharmacology, chemistry papers on related compounds, or toxicology studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Primary context. Refers to a specific chemical entity in pharmacology, chemistry, or medical history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antipyrine”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antipyrine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antipyrine”
- Misspelling as 'antipyrene' or 'antipirin'.
- Assuming it is a current medication.
- Using it in a non-technical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, antipyrine is obsolete in clinical medicine due to the risk of serious side effects like agranulocytosis. It was replaced by safer drugs like aspirin and paracetamol.
The name comes from its function: 'anti-' (against) and 'pyrine' (from Greek 'pyr', fire/fever), meaning 'against fever'.
You would only encounter it in specialized texts: histories of medicine, chemical literature, or old pharmacology references.
Yes, 'phenazone' is another name for the same chemical compound. The terms are synonyms.
A colourless crystalline compound formerly used as an analgesic and antipyretic drug.
Antipyrine is usually technical/historical in register.
Antipyrine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪˈpʌɪriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntaɪˈpaɪriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ANTI-PYREXIA (against fever) + -INE (a chemical suffix). It's an anti-fever chemical.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE (highly technical term).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'antipyrine' primarily used today?