transdermal

adjective

trans·​der·​mal tran(t)s-ˈdər-məl How to pronounce transdermal (audio)
tranz-
: relating to, being, or supplying a medication in a form for absorption through the skin into the bloodstream
transdermal drug delivery
transdermal nitroglycerin
transdermal nicotine patch
transdermally
tran(t)s-ˈdər-mə-lē How to pronounce transdermal (audio)
tranz-
adverb

Examples of transdermal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Small pilot studies have tested transdermal magnesium for specific conditions like fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy, but no large trials have confirmed the sprays reduce ordinary muscle cramps. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Drugmakers continue to face severe supply constraints for transdermal estrogen patches as demand surges, The Hill writes. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 What the Research on Magnesium Spray Actually Shows Two small pilot studies have tested transdermal magnesium chloride in specific patient groups. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Research generally shows that transdermal estrogen — delivered through a patch — is less likely to cause blood clots than oral estrogen. — Mara Gordon, NPR, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for transdermal

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transdermal was in 1944

Rhymes for transdermal

See All Rhymes for transdermal

Browse Nearby Words

transcutaneous
transdermal
transdialect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transdermal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transdermal. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

transdermal

adjective
trans·​der·​mal ˌtran(t)s-ˈdər-məl, ˌtranz- How to pronounce transdermal (audio)
: relating to, being, or supplying a medication in a form for absorption through the skin into the bloodstream
transdermal drug delivery
a transdermal nicotine patch
transdermally
-ē How to pronounce transdermal (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All