methaqualone

[ muh-thak-wuh-lohn, meth-uh-kwey-lohn, -kwol-ohn ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a nonbarbiturate sedative-hypnotic substance, C 1 6 H 1 4 N 2 O, used to induce sleep: also widely used as an illicit drug.

methaqualone

/ ˌmɛθəˈkweɪləʊn /

noun

1. a nonbarbituate sedative drug used to treat stress and insomnia. Formula: C 16 H 14 N 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of methaqualone¹

1960–65; meth(yl) + -a- of uncertain derivation + qu(in)a(zo)l(in)one ( quinazoline, -one )

Example Sentences

In her reporting, Ms. Cameron observed an epidemic of green nail polish and other “Cabaret”-inspired behaviors in Beltway bars, and slyly reviewed a new party drug, methaqualone.

From New York Times

In the 1980s, the methaqualone quota was reduced to combat the illicit use of quaaludes.

From Washington Post

The DEA was onto Seal for a long time before securing an indictment against him in March 1983 on several counts, including conspiracy to distribute methaqualone and possession with intent to distribute Quaaludes.

From Time

In the UK, methaqualone was sold under the name Mandrax and became popular too.

From BBC

Mandrax is the Southwest Asian slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant.

From Project Gutenberg