an amine formed from histidine and released by the body tissues in allergic reactions, causing irritation. It also stimulates gastric secretions, dilates blood vessels, and contracts smooth muscle. Formula: C5H9N3
See also antihistamine
Derived forms
histaminic (ˌhɪstəˈmɪnɪk)
adjective
Word origin
C20: from hist(idine) + -amine
histamine in American English
(ˈhɪstəˌmin; ˈhɪstəˌmɪn)
noun
an amine, C5H9N3, produced by the decarboxylation of histidine and found in all organic matter: it is released by the tissues in allergic reactions, lowers the blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, stimulates gastric secretion, etc.
Derived forms
histaminic (ˌhistaˈminic) (ˈhɪstəˈmɪnɪk)
adjective
Word origin
histidine- + amine
Examples of 'histamine' in a sentence
histamine
She says she is working with a nutritionist who has interesting ideas about histamine.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
If you are stung by a wasp the itchiness and swelling are caused by a histamine reaction.
Holford, Patrick The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)