psilocybin

American  

[sil-uh-sahy-bin, sahy-luh-] / ˌsɪl əˈsaɪ bɪn, ˌsaɪ lə- /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a hallucinogenic crystalline solid, C 1 2 H 1 7 N 2 O 4 P, obtained from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana.

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psilocybin British  

/ ˌsɪləˈsaɪbɪn, ˌsaɪlə- /

noun

1. a crystalline phosphate ester that is the active principle of the hallucinogenic fungus Psilocybe mexicana. Formula: C 12 H 17 N 2 O 4 P

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psilocybin Scientific  

/ sĭl′ə-sī′bĭn,sī′lə- /

1. A hallucinogenic compound obtained from certain mushrooms, especially of the genus Psilocybe. Chemical formula: C ₁₂ H ₁₇ N ₂ O ₄ P.

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Etymology

Origin of psilocybin

1955–60; < New Latin Psilocyb ( e ) genus of mushrooms (< Greek psīló ( s ) bare + kýbē head) + -in ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

psilocybin

Samples were even examined by Albert Hofmann, the scientist who first isolated psilocybin and discovered LSD.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

"Future studies can build on this work to explore how psilocybin alters neural signaling, which serotonin pathways are involved, and why some aspects of social behavior are affected while others are not," concluded Currie.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

While stressing that psilocybin is not a cure for cancer, he describes its potential impact on some patients as "revolutionary".

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

He says a cancer diagnosis can leave people confronting questions about mortality, purpose and the future, and that psilocybin may help some patients come to terms with that reality.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

Compass Pathways confirmed an FDA priority voucher for its psilocybin candidate.

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 2026

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