thalidomide

American  

[thuh-lid-uh-mahyd] / θəˈlɪd əˌmaɪd /

noun

1. a crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 13 H 10 N 2 O 4 , formerly used as a sedative: if taken during pregnancy, it may cause severe abnormalities in the limbs of the fetus.

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thalidomide British  

/ θəˈlɪdəˌmaɪd /

noun

1. 1. a synthetic drug formerly used as a sedative and hypnotic but withdrawn from the market when found to cause abnormalities in developing fetuses. Formula: C 13 H 10 N 2 O 4

   2. ( as modifier )

      a thalidomide baby

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thalidomide Scientific  

/ thə-lĭd′ə-mīd′ /

1. A drug used to treat leprosy. It was previously prescribed to treat nausea during early pregnancy, but was found to cause severe birth defects, including stunting or absence of the limbs. Chemical formula: C ₁₃ H ₁₀ N ₂ O ₄ .

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thalidomide Cultural  

1. A sedative drug that was developed and used in Europe in the 1960s. Thalidomide was taken off the market when it became evident that it caused severe birth defects in babies born to women who had used the drug during pregnancy.

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Discover More

References to thalidomide are often made when illustrating the dangers of using drugs whose side effects are not well known.

Etymology

Origin of thalidomide

1955–60; (ph)thal(im)ido(glutari)mide, equivalent to phthalimide ( phthal(ic) + imide ) + -o- + glutarimide ( glut(en) + (tart)ar(ic) + imide )

Example Sentences

The project received support from the Stroke Association and the Thalidomide Trust, two organizations advocating for people affected by these conditions.

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

He also won acclaim for a 1974 documentary looking into the campaign for compensation for children after concerns were raised about birth defects when expectant mothers took the drug Thalidomide.

From Washington Times • Dec. 31, 2023

Thalidomide, also sold under the brand names Contergan and Distaval, was available in 46 countries and caused birth defects, stillbirths and miscarriages.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

Thalidomide was the active ingredient in a sedative widely distributed to many mothers in Australia and around the world in the early 1960s.

From Reuters • Nov. 13, 2023

Deborah Jack, executive director of the Thalidomide Trust, said the latest funding announcement was "fantastic and very welcome news".

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2022