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

His abuse of amphetamines and Southern California excess kept him from achieving mainstream success, and his career ended with his death in 1982. Or did it? —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

Supply issues began with the ADHD drug Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), which has been on the FDA's drug shortage list since October 2022. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Sep. 2024

Plenty have, including partiers with a few years on them who partied through the illicit supply-side transition from the once widely-available speed — meaning coke’s poor cousin, amphetamines — to meth. —Matt Thompson, SPIN, 3 Feb. 2025

The drugs include Adderall, Vyvanse and generic amphetamines, such as dextroamphetamine. —Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 12 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

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