methadone

American  

[meth-uh-dohn] / ˈmɛθ əˌdoʊn /

Also methadon

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic narcotic, C 2 1 H 2 8 ClNO, similar to morphine but effective orally, used in the relief of pain and as a heroin substitute in the treatment of heroin addiction.

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methadone British  

/ ˈmɛθəˌdɒn, ˈmɛθəˌdəʊn /

noun

1. a narcotic analgesic drug similar to morphine, used to treat opiate addiction. Formula: C 21 H 27 NO

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methadone Cultural  

1. An analgesic that is sometimes used in the treatment of drug addiction.

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Etymology

Origin of methadone

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; meth(yl) + a(mino) + d(iphenyl) + (heptan)one

Compare meaning

How does methadone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• methadone vs. methamphetamine

Example Sentences

Treating people who use opioids as deserving of the same right to healthcare as any other American demands an about face to the way methadone is delivered.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2023

A robust evidence base shows that methadone supports recovery, facilitates abstinence from illegal substance use, and prevents overdose and death.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 8, 2023

Next, the Rockefeller doctors expanded the study of methadone to six more patients, a varied group with different backgrounds, and different levels of education.

From Scientific American • Apr. 13, 2023

A recent Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment study found that nearly three-quarters of all treatment courts now offer all Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for opioid use disorder, and 90 percent offer buprenorphine and/or methadone.

From Washington Post • Oct. 6, 2022

“Everybody says it’s Sheldon, but it’s Miriam,” says Michael Cherry, associate chief justice of the Nevada supreme court, who sits on the board of the Las Vegas methadone clinic that the Adelsons founded.

From The Guardian • Jan. 7, 2019