amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a racemic compound C₉H₁₃N or one of its derivatives (such as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is often abused illicitly, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C₉H₁₃N·H₂SO₄ to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The princesses were plied with tranquilizers, cocaine, amphetamines, and alcohol; they were guarded at all times, abused, and deprived of food and water. —E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024

However, for amphetamine medications, in 2022, manufacturers did not produce the full amount that these limits permitted them to make. —New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2024

Ingredients for the drug, such as amphetamine, are purchased legally and imported into Syria through Latakia. —Souad Mekhennet, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

The film, which depicts Trump getting liposuction, abusing amphetamines, running his casino into the ground and raping his first wife, Ivana, was simply too hot to handle. —Brent Lang, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

a(lpha) entry 2 + m(ethyl) + phe(n-) + et(hyl) + amine

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a compound or one made from it used medically to increase the activity of the central nervous system but often abused for its stimulant effects

Medical Definition

amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a racemic sympathomimetic amine C₉H₁₃N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is frequently abused illicitly often leading to dependence, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C₉H₁₃N·H₂SO₄ to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall