metyrapone
/mɪˈtɪrəpəʊn/ /mɪˈtʌɪrəpəʊn/Pharmacology
noun
A compound that inhibits the enzyme 17β-hydroxylase and prevents synthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids by the adrenal gland, used chiefly for assessment of feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in adrenal disease, and sometimes in the treatment of Cushing's syndrome and resistant oedema; 2-methyl-1,2-di-3-pyridyl-1-propanone, C5H4N·CO·C(CH3)2·C5H4N.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in The Lancet. Probably from met- + -yr- + -a- connective + -p- + -one.