psilocybin

[ sil-uh-sahy-bin, sahy-luh- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a hallucinogenic crystalline solid, C 1 2 H 1 7 N 2 O 4 P, obtained from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana.

psilocybin

/ ˌsaɪlə-; ˌsɪləˈsaɪbɪn /

noun

1. a crystalline phosphate ester that is the active principle of the hallucinogenic fungus Psilocybe mexicana. Formula: C 12 H 17 N 2 O 4 P

psilocybin

/ sĭl′ə-sī′bĭn,sī′lə- /

1. A hallucinogenic compound obtained from certain mushrooms, especially of the genus Psilocybe. Chemical formula: C 12 H 17 N 2 O 4 P.

Word History and Origins

Origin of psilocybin¹

1955–60; < New Latin Psilocyb ( e ) genus of mushrooms (< Greek psīló ( s ) bare + kýbē head) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of psilocybin¹

C20: from New Latin Psilocybe (from Greek psilos bare + kubē head) + -in

Example Sentences

And what we found in that research too was that it wasn't obviously solely the psilocybin or the psychedelic components — it was that, compounded with untreated and unchecked grief for however many years.

From Salon

Carhart-Harris’ team gave him just two pills of synthesized psilocybin, donned him with an eye mask and calm music, and he had this incredible perspective shift.

From Los Angeles Times

Chocolate bars and gummies purporting to contain psilocybin mushrooms have become a common sight at smoke shops and illegal cannabis dispensaries across Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Testing done on 33 samples purchased at smoke shops in Los Angeles and San Diego counties found 40% contained no psilocybin — one of the main chemicals that make mushrooms magical.

From Los Angeles Times

In April, the Thai authorities quietly eased restrictions on opium and psilocybin "magic" mushrooms, allowing them to be used for medicine and research, signalling yet more potential drug reform.

From Salon