amphetamine

[ am-fet-uh-meen, -min ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a racemic drug, C 9 H 13 N, that stimulates the central nervous system: used chiefly to lift the mood in depressive states and to control the appetite in cases of obesity.

amphetamine

/ æmˈfɛtəˌmiːn; -mɪn /

noun

1. a synthetic colourless volatile liquid used medicinally as the white crystalline sulphate, mainly for its stimulant action on the central nervous system, although it also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects and drug dependence can occur; 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH 2 CH(NH 2 )CH 3

amphetamine

/ ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′ /

1. Any of a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, resulting in elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and other metabolic functions. Amphetamines are used in the treatment of certain neurological conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. The drugs are highly addictive and are sometimes abused.

amphetamine

1. A drug that stimulates the central nervous system and is used to treat certain conditions, such as attention deficit disorder , depression, and narcolepsy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphetamine¹

First recorded in 1935–40; a(lpha) + m(ethyl) + ph(enyl) + et(hyl) + amine

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphetamine¹

C20: from a ( lpha ) + m ( ethyl ) + ph ( enyl ) + et ( hyl ) + -amine

Example Sentences

Chemically speaking, Molly is an amphetamine with a twist of phenethylamine (a hallucinogen).

From The Daily Beast

When I was around 14-ish, I was put on amphetamine therapy for ADHD.

From The Daily Beast

The chemicals in 'bath salts' seem to be cousins of the amphetamine agents that debuted as crystal meth.

From The Daily Beast

How come in the amphetamine rush of the 1980s nobody worried about the sanctity of baseball?

From The Daily Beast

These steroids were mental—amphetamine-based ADHD drugs, particularly Adderall, as a way to sharpen focus and gain an edge.

From The Daily Beast

An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• stimulant