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

Adderall contains the active drug amphetamine, which is in a class of drugs called CNS stimulants. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025

As has the number of deaths related to amphetamine use. —New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024

But, looking at the annual independent reports that started in 2008, Major League Baseball has seen a significant decline in performance-enhancing substance suspensions – which includes the likes of stimulants such as amphetamines – decline. —Maury Brown, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

A lot of psychedelic evangelists end up just getting high on whatever drugs come to hand, but amphetamine is a drug with no serious claims to mind expansion, and speed was arguably Cassady’s drug of choice. —Geoff Dyer, Harper's Magazine, 2 Sep. 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