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

Land Speed Record, named for the amphetamines that fueled Hüsker Dü’s first West coast tour, was recorded at the end of the tour at 7th Street Entry, the smaller of the two rooms at Minneapolis’s iconic club First Avenue. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 4 Feb. 2025

When heat hurts:ER doctors treat heatstroke, contact burns on Phoenix's hottest days Other drugs with amphetamines — including MDMA, or drugs for ADHD like Adderall — can be a danger, too. —Ray Stern, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024

Lawrence was also caught using amphetamines in his third season in 2016. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 4 Sep. 2024

Three other protesters died of natural causes at the scene: two of heart attacks and a third from amphetamine intoxication after being trampled by a crowd. —The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for amphetamine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene
• chlorpromazine

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