What does pressor mean?
A pressor is something that raises arterial blood pressure. In medicine and pharmacology, the term most often refers to a drug or other agent that causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby increasing the pressure of blood against the artery walls. Pressor effects may be desirable during blood loss, shock, surgery, or other circumstances in which blood pressure must be supported, but they can place strain on the heart and circulation when excessive or prolonged. The word is related to the familiar medical term “vasopressor” and is chiefly technical rather than everyday. It also forms a useful contrast with “depressor,” which denotes something that lowers blood pressure. Outside specialist writing, “pressor” may sound blunt or incomplete, but it is precise when the subject is a substance, response, or mechanism that increases arterial pressure.
nounA substance or physiological mechanism that raises arterial blood pressure, especially one that constricts blood vessels. The term is used chiefly in medicine and pharmacology.
- A substance, drug, or physiological mechanism that causes arterial blood pressure to rise.
"The drug acts as a pressor, helping to maintain blood pressure during the procedure."
"The infusion was adjusted carefully because the compound had potent pressor effects."
"Researchers measured the pressor response in the affected blood vessels."
Used when referring to multiple substances, drugs, or mechanisms that raise arterial blood pressure.
"Several pressors are available for treating severe hypotension."
A pressor raises the pressure; its opposite, a depressor, lowers it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pressor come from?
The word belongs to a family of English agent nouns formed from the Latin root premere, “to press.” Latin-derived terms such as compress, depress, express, and suppress reflect different applications of that root. The specifically medical sense developed with the study of substances and physiological responses that increase blood pressure.
How pressor is actually used
This is a specialized term used mainly in medicine, pharmacology, and physiology. In general usage, it may sound clipped or technical, so alternatives such as “vasopressor” are often preferable.
Easily confused with pressor
A pressor raises blood pressure, whereas pressure is the force applied to a surface or the physical condition of being pressed.