tretinoin

noun

tre·​tin·​o·​in tre-ˈti-nə-win How to pronounce tretinoin (audio)
: the all-trans isomer of retinoic acid that is applied to the skin to treat severe acne and reduce facial wrinkles, roughness, and pigmented spots

Examples of tretinoin 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.
One of our top blogs is what’s the difference between tretinoin and retinol. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 The Celimax cream is formulated with retinal, which, like tretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates cell turnover. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026 By contrast, dermatologists advise against using tretinoin during pregnancy because of the potential risk of birth defects. — Kelsey Stewart, Allure, 18 Aug. 2026 Shafer recommends a medical-grade routine built around tretinoin, a prescription retinol derivative. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tretinoin

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from trans- + retinoic acid

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tretinoin was in 1970

Rhymes for tretinoin

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Browse Nearby Words

treta yuga
tretinoin
trevally
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Cite this Entry

“Tretinoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tretinoin. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

tretinoin

noun
tre·​tin·​o·​in tre-ˈtin-ə-wən How to pronounce tretinoin (audio)
: the all-trans isomer of retinoic acid that is applied topically to the skin to treat acne vulgaris and to reduce facial wrinkles, roughness, and pigmented spots and that is administered orally to induce remission of acute myelogenous leukemia in which more than half the cells are malignant promyelocytes

called also all-trans-retinoic acid, retinoic acid, vitamin A acid

see isotretinoin, retin-a
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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