a compound used in medicines, in the form of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, as an antihistamine, sedative, and anticholinergic
diphenhydramine in American English
(ˌdaifenˈhaidrəˌmin)
noun
Pharmacology
a white, crystalline, antihistaminic compound, C17H21NO, used orally, topically, and parenterally, esp. for allergies
Word origin
[1945–50; diphen(yl) + hydr-2 + amine]This word is first recorded in the period 1945–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: ergative, on-line, poison pill, shootout, spin-off
Examples of 'diphenhydramine' in a sentence
diphenhydramine
So diphenhydramine may be available over-the-counter — but that doesn't mean it is harmless.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
These often contain diphenhydramine but as long as they are only taken occasionally they are unlikely to be a problem.