methaqualone

[ muh-thak-wuh-lohn, meth-uh-kwey-lohn, -kwol-ohn ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a nonbarbiturate sedative-hypnotic substance, C 1 6 H 1 4 N 2 O, used to induce sleep: also widely used as an illicit drug.

methaqualone

/ ˌmɛθəˈkweɪləʊn /

noun

1. a nonbarbituate sedative drug used to treat stress and insomnia. Formula: C 16 H 14 N 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of methaqualone¹

1960–65; meth(yl) + -a- of uncertain derivation + qu(in)a(zo)l(in)one ( quinazoline, -one )