psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a hallucinogenic indole C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P obtained from a fungus (such as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)

Examples of psilocybin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Massachusetts, voters were weighing a ballot measure that would legalize the possession and supervised use of natural psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms. —David A. Lieb, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2024

In March, Utah unanimously passed Senate Bill 266, which establishes a pilot program allowing doctors at certain hospitals to prescribe psilocybin and MDMA to patients in a clinical setting. —Cassady Rosenblum, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2024

One prominent psychedelics company, Compass Pathways, is generally considered next in line for FDA approval of a psychedelic drug, with phase 3 clinical trials for its synthetic psilocybin well underway. —Benjamin Y. Fong, Discover Magazine, 16 Aug. 2024

Legalizing psychedelics: The measure would legalize the use of five natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, for people age 21 and up. —Jeff Weiner, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Psilocybe, fungus genus + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a chemical that is obtained from a fungus and causes hallucinations

Medical Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a hallucinogenic indole C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P obtained from a basidiomycetous fungus (as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)