histamine

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *steh₂- Ancient Greek ῐ̔στός (hĭstós)bor. English histo- English -idine English hist(idine) Egyptian jmnbor. Ancient Greek Ᾰ̓́μμων (Ắmmōn)bor. Latin Ammōn Latin ammoniacusder. English ammonia Proto-Indo-European *-nós Proto-Indo-European *-iHnos Proto-Italic *-īnos Latin -īnusder. Old French -inbor. Middle English -in English -ine English amine English -amine English histamine From hist(idine) + -amine.

1. An amine, C₅H₉N₃, formed by decarboxylation of histidine, that causes dilatation of capillaries, contraction of smooth muscle, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion; it is released during allergic reactions.

   “Mellanby and Twort have isolated from the fæces a bacillus which is able to produce from one of the amino acids normally formed in digestion of proteins a highly active body, histamine.”

   “The intake of food triggers a release of histamine, which activates the acid-secreting cells.”