phenytoin

[ fen-i-toh-in, fuh-nit-oh- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a barbiturate-related substance, C 1 5 H 1 2 N 2 O 2 , used as an anticonvulsant in the treatment of grand mal epilepsy and in focal seizures.

phenytoin

/ ˌfɛnɪˈtəʊɪn /

noun

1. an anticonvulsant drug used in the management of epilepsy and in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms. Formula: C 15 H 11 N 2 O 2 Na Also calleddiphenylhydantoin sodium

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenytoin¹

1940–45; (di)pheny(lhydan)toin, its full chemical name; di- ¹, phenyl, hydantoin

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenytoin¹

C20: from ( di ) pheny ( lhydan ) toin