noun

histamine

HIS-tuh-meen

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Histamine (noun) means a chemical compound in the body that is released during allergic reactions and causes effects such as widened capillaries and muscle contraction. Example: “The body releases histamine when it reacts to pollen.”

noun

biochemistry A chemical compound in the body that is released during allergic reactions and causes effects such as widened capillaries and muscle contraction.

"The body releases histamine when it reacts to pollen."

"Some allergy medicines work by blocking the effects of histamine."

"Histamine also stimulates the stomach to produce acid."

How to use histamine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA chemical your body releases during allergic reactions.

When to use it

It is a technical term in biochemistry that is also common in everyday talk about allergies.

Memory tip

Histamine is the chemical itself, while histidine is the amino acid it is made from.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

histidine

Common pairings

release histamine histamine reaction histamine levels block histamine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “histamine” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The body releases _____ when it reacts to pollen.

Etymology

The word was formed in English from hist(idine) plus the chemical ending -amine. Histamine is made from histidine through the loss of a carbon dioxide unit.

Origin: English

Rhymes for histamine

nine mine wine line sine ovine amine thine shine Rhine Maine supine

See all rhymes for histamine →

Frequently asked questions

What is histamine?

Histamine is a chemical in the body that is released during allergic reactions. It widens capillaries, makes smooth muscle contract, and stimulates stomach acid.

What does histamine do in an allergic reaction?

During an allergic reaction the body releases histamine, which causes effects such as widening of the capillaries. Many allergy medicines are designed to counter its effects.

Is histamine countable?

It can be either countable or uncountable. The plural form is histamines.

What is the meaning of histamine?

"histamine" (noun) means a chemical compound in the body that is released during allergic reactions and causes effects such as widened capillaries and muscle contraction.