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amphetamine

[am-fet-uh-meen, -min]
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noun Pharmacology.
  1. a racemic drug, C9H13N, that stimulates the central nervous system: used chiefly to lift the mood in depressive states and to control the appetite in cases of obesity.
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Origin of amphetamine

First recorded in 1935–40; a(lpha) + m(ethyl) + ph(enyl) + et(hyl) + amine
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for amphetamine

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure.

    What Works: Schools Without Drugs

    United States Department of Education

British Dictionary definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

noun
  1. a synthetic colourless volatile liquid used medicinally as the white crystalline sulphate, mainly for its stimulant action on the central nervous system, although it also stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. It can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects and drug dependence can occur; 1-phenyl-2-aminopropane. Formula: C 6 H 5 CH 2 CH(NH 2)CH 3
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Word Origin

C20: from a (lpha) + m (ethyl) + ph (enyl) + et (hyl) + -amine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for amphetamine

n.

1938, contracted from alphamethyl-phenethylamine.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
amphetamine in Medicine

amphetamine

(ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′, -mĭn)
n.
  1. A colorless, volatile liquid used as a central nervous system stimulant in the treatment of certain neurological conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, and abused as a stimulant.
  2. A chemical derivative of amphetamine, such as dextroamphetamine sulfate.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
amphetamine in Science

amphetamine

[ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′]
  1. Any of a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system, resulting in elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and other metabolic functions. Amphetamines are used in the treatment of certain neurological conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. The drugs are highly addictive and are sometimes abused.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
amphetamine in Culture

amphetamine

A drug that stimulates the central nervous system and is used to treat certain conditions, such as attention deficit disorder, depression, and narcolepsy.

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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.