amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-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
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Stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and Provigil (modafinil) are common treatments for narcolepsy. Mark Gurarie, Health, 3 May 2025 Ivy-as-Marilyn is an inconsiderate, amphetamine guzzling faux-intellectual whose devotion to the acting craft is presented as a vainglorious affectation. Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025 Examples include antidepressants for depression or stimulants such as Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) for ADHD.17 Neurostimulation: Neurostimulation is an option when medications or psychotherapy aren’t yielding results. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025 Investigators also found hundreds of bullets and high-capacity magazines, and a large amount of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, and fentanyl, prosecutors said. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amphetamine

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphetamine was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Amphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphetamine. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-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 How to pronounce amphetamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
: 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

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