any of a class of drugs, including captopril, that inhibit or block the action of an enzyme () that produces the powerful vasoconstrictor angiotensin, used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetic kidney disease, etc.
Origin:
a(ngiotensin-)c(onverting) e(nzyme)
See ACE inhibitor in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of a class of drugs that cause vasodilation and are used to treat hypertension and heart failure.