angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor

an·gi·o·ten·sin-con·vert·ing en·zyme(ACE) in·hib·i·tor

(an'jē-ō-ten'sin-kŏn-vĕrt'ing en'zīm in-hib'i-tŏr) A class of drugs used in the treatment of hypertension; they produce a reduction of peripheral arterial resistance, although the exact mechanism of action has not been fully determined; they block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor.