How to Pronounce Diltiazem
Definition, meaning, and phonetic spelling
Diltiazem Pronunciation
dil-TY-a-zem
Stressed syllable in ALL CAPS · hyphens separate syllables
Syllable Breakdown
dil
TY
stress here
a
zem
4 syllables
What is Diltiazem?
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (chest pain). Diltiazem is in a class of medications called calcium-channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. High blood pressure is a common condition, and when not treated it can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart di
Definition sourced from MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine
Questions About Diltiazem
How do you pronounce diltiazem?
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Diltiazem is pronounced dil-TY-a-zem, with four syllables. The stress falls on the second syllable, which sounds like "TY" (rhymes with "tie"). Say it like you're saying "dill" (the herb), then "TY" (loud and clear), then "uh," then "zem."
What is the stressed syllable in diltiazem?
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The stressed syllable is the second one: TY. This means you say it a bit louder and longer than the other parts. A common mistake is stressing the first syllable (DIL-tee-a-zem) or the third syllable, so remember to punch that TY in the middle.
How do you break diltiazem into syllables?
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Diltiazem breaks into four syllables: dil-TY-a-zem. The first syllable "dil" rhymes with "will," the second is "TY" (like the word "tie"), the third is "a" (like "uh"), and the fourth is "zem."
What are common mispronunciations of diltiazem?
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People often say dil-TEE-uh-zem (stressing the wrong syllable and pronouncing the second part like "tee" instead of "ty"), or they might rush through it as dil-tee-ZEM. The correct way keeps the stress on the TY in the middle and pronounces it like "tie," not "tee."
Can you use diltiazem in a simple sentence?
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Here's an example: "The doctor prescribed diltiazem, so the patient had to learn how to say dil-TY-a-zem correctly when picking it up at the pharmacy." This shows how the word is used in a medical context.
Is there a shorter way to say or write diltiazem?
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Diltiazem is usually just called by its full name in conversation and on prescriptions. There isn't a common abbreviation or nickname for it the way some other medications have, so you'll typically hear or read the whole word dil-TY-a-zem.
Why does diltiazem sound like it has a 'z' sound at the end?
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The ending "zem" does sound like it has a 'z' sound because that's exactly how it's pronounced—the 'z' in diltiazem makes the /z/ sound, like in the word "zero." So when you say the last part, it's "zem," not "sem" or "cem."