Where does “diphenhydramine” come from?
diphenhydramine (English) comes from English diphenyl, from English di-, from Latin dī-, from Ancient Greek δί-, from Ancient Greek διά, from Proto-Indo-European dwís, from Proto-Indo-European dwóh₁ — two.
diphenhydramine (English): An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H1 receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs)
Definitions
- An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H1 receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs)
Ancestry of “diphenhydramine”, step by step
diphenhydramine traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English diphenyl
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | diphenyl | Synonym of biphenyl |
| 2 | English | di- | API; two, twice, or double; Alternative form of... |
| 3 | Latin | dī- | Two, double; di |
| 4 | Ancient Greek | δί- | Twice, double |
| 5 | Ancient Greek | διά | throughout |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | dwís | twice, doubly; in two |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | dwóh₁ | two |
via English benzhydryl
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | benzhydryl | Any organic compound containing diphenylmethane, i.e. two benzene rings adjoining a single carbon (but typically excluding heteroaromatic ring moieties) |