barbital

[ bahr-bi-tawl, -tal ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a barbiturate compound, C 7 O 3 N 2 H 12 , formerly used as a hypnotic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbital¹

1915–20; barbit(uric acid) + ( Veron ) al, the name of a formerly used sedative and hypnotic

Example Sentences

The Council took up the substance in February, 1918, and referred the matter to the referee in charge of barbital preparations.

From Project Gutenberg

Barbital was introduced into medicine under the proprietary name veronal, and was manufactured in Germany by Friedr.

From Project Gutenberg

A woman, who had taken morphine and barbital, was found apparently dead after a night's exposure in some lonely spot.

From Project Gutenberg