ve·rap·a·mil (və-răp'ə-mĭl')
n.
A vasodilator, C₂₇H₃₈N₂O₄, that inhibits calcium activity, used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain cardiac arrhythmias.

[vera- (shortening and alteration of VALERIC ACID) + -pamil, vasodilating drug suff. (perhaps P(ROPYL) + AM(INO) + (NITR)IL(E)).]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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