long-acting

[ lawng-ak-ting, long- ]

adjective

, Pharmacology.

1. sustained-release.

long-acting

adjective

1. (of a drug) slowly effective after initial dosage, but maintaining its effects over a long period of time, being slowly absorbed and persisting in the tissues before being excreted Compare intermediate-acting short-acting

Word History and Origins

Origin of long-acting¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Spain has been long acting as a mediator, but arming all the time most vigorously.

From Project Gutenberg