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.
Estradiol transdermal patches, which deliver the estrogen hormone directly into the bloodstream, are used to ease menopause symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes and sleep disturbances. — Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Formulations intended for pain treatment include injections and transdermal patches that release the drug gradually through the skin. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 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 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 4 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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
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
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All