mescaline

[ mes-kuh-leen, -lin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, water-soluble, crystalline powder, C 1 1 H 1 7 NO 3 , obtained from mescal buttons, that produces hallucinations.

mescaline

/ -lɪn; ˈmɛskəˌliːn /

noun

1. a hallucinogenic drug derived from mescal buttons. Formula: C 11 H 17 NO 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of mescaline¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; mescal + -ine ²

Example Sentences

In the late 19th Century, the psychedelic drug mescaline started to circulate through certain intellectual groups in New York and London.

From Salon

In this crowded field, Vancouver-based Filament Health has a unique approach: extracting drugs like psilocybin and mescaline from natural sources, including mushrooms and cacti, rather than synthesizing the ingredients in a laboratory.

From Seattle Times

“That stuff makes pure mescaline seem like ginger beer,” Thompson’s lawyer tells him.

From New York Times

Two hair samples, including one from a child, contained traces of mescaline, a strong psychedelic with hallucinogenic properties similar to psilocybin "magic" mushrooms and MDMA.

From Salon

The “Omnivore’s Dilemma” author explores the cultural and scientific impacts of the plant-based drugs opium, caffeine and mescaline.

From Washington Post