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ephedrine
noun
ephed·rine
i-ˈfe-drən
British also ˈe-fə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ma huang, pseudoephedrine
Examples of ephedrine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Additionally, the tests revealed lower levels of Valium, marijuana and ephedrine present at the time of his death.
—Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023
During the 1994 World Cup, Maradona played in just two games before doping tests found ephedrine in his urine sample.
—Lewis Kamb, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2023
Also commonly referred to as ephedrine, this ingredient has a reputation for being straight-up dangerous, and rightfully so.
—Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023
Bitter orange extract is found in citrus fruits such as Seville oranges and contains synephrine, a stimulant with effects similar to ephedrine, according to a 2012 study.
—Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023
Some of these compounds are stimulants, like ephedrine, and others can produce powerful hallucinations, delirium and out-of-body experiences.
—Gary Laderman, Fortune Well, 17 July 2023
Menorca Strands Researchers found the chemicals, along with the stimulant ephedrine, inside strands of hair buried deep in a cave on the Spanish island of Menorca, not far from an earlier burial site.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023
Starting in 2005, the government cracked down on ephedrine, and supplies of meth dried up.
—Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2022
Bitter Orange Extract Bitter orange extract contains synephrine, an ephedrine analog that speeds up metabolism, burns fat, and suppresses appetite.
—Dallas News, 11 Jan. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ephedrine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin Ephedra
First Known Use
1889, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ephedrine
Cite this Entry
“Ephedrine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephedrine. Accessed 24 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
ephedrine
noun
ephed·rine
i-ˈfed-rən
: a basic substance obtained from Chinese woody plants or made artificially and used as a salt in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion
Medical Definition
ephedrine
noun
ephed·rine
i-ˈfed-rən, British also ˈef-ə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride C10H15NO·HCl or sulfate (C10H15NO)2·H2SO4 as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ephedra sense 2, pseudoephedrine
More from Merriam-Webster on ephedrine
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ephedrine
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