methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Medicaid in Florida covers methadone, which reduces her opioid cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms. —Kim Krisberg, NPR, 16 Sep. 2024

With opioid use disorder, some people improve with meetings and therapy, others take buprenorphine or methadone for a short time, and others need to stay on those opioid withdrawal drugs. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Feb. 2024

More specifically, taking methadone or Suboxone during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

For nearly a decade, methadone has helped Stephanie juggle jobs and take care of her kids. —Kim Krisberg, NPR, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone