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

Related Words

• stimulant