secobarbital

[ sek-oh-bahr-bi-tawl, -tal ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a white, odorless, slightly bitter powder, C 1 2 H 1 8 N 2 O 3 , used as a sedative and hypnotic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of secobarbital¹

First recorded in 1950–55; Seco(nal) + barbital

Example Sentences

He gave the FBI the layout of the apartment Hampton shared with Njeri and slipped the sedative secobarbital in Hampton’s drink so he wouldn’t wake up during the police raid and assassination.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1971, Scott Asheton, who played drums in the group, got blitzed on the sedative secobarbital and drove a tall truck full of rented gear under a low bridge.

From The New Yorker

In late December, a friend picked up a prescription for 100 tablets of the powerful sedative secobarbital.

From Seattle Times

Patients can request a prescription for the lethal medicine, typically secobarbital, from their physician if they have six months or less to live.

From Los Angeles Times

The end-of-life prescription typically consists of the drug secobarbital, commonly sold under the brand name Seconal, or a cocktail of other drugs that, when combined, perform the same function.

From Washington Times