ˈhistəˌmēn, -_mə̇n noun
also his·ta·min -_mə̇n
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary hist- + amine
: a crystalline base C 3 H 3 N 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH 2 that is found in ergot and other plants and usually combined in animal tissues, that is formed from histidine by decarboxylation, and that is held to be responsible for the dilation and increased permeability of blood vessels which play a major role in allergic reactions; 4(or 5)-imidazole-ethylamine — see antihistamine , gastrin
• his·ta·min·ic | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|minik adjective