ACE inhibitor

[ eys, ey-see-ee ]

noun

1. any of a group of vasodilators used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.

ACE inhibitor

noun

1. any one of a class of drugs, including captopril, enalapril, and ramipril, that cause the arteries to widen by preventing the synthesis of angiotensin: used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure

ACE inhibitor

/ ās /

1. Short for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. Any of a class of drugs that cause vasodilation by inactivating an enzyme that converts angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II, used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders.
2. See also angiotensin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ACE inhibitor¹

First recorded in 1980–85; abbreviation of a(ngiotensin)-c(onverting) e(nzyme)

Word History and Origins

Origin of ACE inhibitor¹

C20: from a ( ngiotensin- ) c ( onverting ) e ( nzyme ) inhibitor