vasoconstrictor

[ vas-oh-kuhn-strik-ter, vey-zoh- ]

noun

, Physiology, Pharmacology.

1. a nerve or drug that causes vasoconstriction.

vasoconstrictor

/ ˌveɪzəʊkənˈstrɪktə /

noun

1. a drug, agent, or nerve that causes narrowing ( vasoconstriction ) of the walls of blood vessels

adjective

1. causing vasoconstriction

Derived Forms

• ˌvasoconˈstrictive, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vasoconstrictor¹

First recorded in 1875–80; vaso- + constrictor

Example Sentences

"Caffeine is known as a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts blood vessels in the brain. The interesting thing is that migraines happen when blood vessels dilate, so the caffeine actually helps alleviate an active attack, but then it causes rebound when the caffeine wears off."

From Salon

Caffeine has vasoconstrictor properties, meaning it causes blood vessels to squeeze together, which can briefly raise heart rate.

From Salon

Afrin is basically neosynephrine, a potent vasoconstrictor, and would be ideal to put on a tissue stuffed deeply in the nose.

From New York Times

You turn the bed lamp on, open a book: vasoconstrictor and barbiturate make words in oval light reverberate.

From Los Angeles Times

Even without the combustion, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels and drives up blood pressure.

From BusinessWeek