phencyclidine

noun

phen·​cy·​cli·​dine (ˌ)fen-ˈsi-klə-ˌdēn 

-ˈsī-,

-dən

: a piperidine derivative C₁₇H₂₅N used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a veterinary anesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug

called also angel dust, PCP

Examples of phencyclidine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner showed that Felix’s cause of death was from acute phencyclidine intoxication. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2024

Ketamine was the more practical stepchild of a more potent and longer acting drug that was developed in the 1950s, called phencyclidine or angel dust. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

On the Saturday morning of Jan. 21, 1989, Clements went to Gatlin’s apartment after spending the past evening using crack and phencyclidine (PCP), among other drugs, according to court filings. —Jasmine Hilton, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2023

While no other contributing cause of death is listed in the coroner’s report, Coolio had the following conditions at the time of his death: cardiomyopathy, asthma and recent phencyclidine use. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

phen- + cycl- + -idine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

phencyclidine

noun

phen·​cy·​cli·​dine (ˈ)fen-ˈsik-lə-ˌdēn  -ˈsī-klə- 

-dən

: a piperidine derivative used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₅N·HCl especially as a veterinary anesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug to induce vivid mental imagery

called also angel dust, PCP