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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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 Additionally, while out on bond on the case, Sauter tested positive for amphetamine, an affidavit of violation filed Jan. 24 states, according to a motion to revoke bond filed by Assistant State Attorney Michael Willard on Feb. 4. Frank Fernandez, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025 People taking amphetamines or methamphetamines were more likely to misuse than those taking methylphenidates. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025 The Cullman County Coroner’s Office ruled his death accidental, caused by a toxic combination of fentanyl, gabapentin, diazepam, amphetamine, carisoprodol and methocarbamol, according to WBRC. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 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 27 Apr. 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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