amphetamine

American  

[am-fet-uh-meen, -min] / æmˈfɛt əˌmin, -mɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a racemic drug, C 9 H 13 N, that stimulates the central nervous system: used chiefly to lift the mood in depressive states and to control the appetite in cases of obesity.

---

amphetamine British  

/ æmˈfɛtəˌmiːn, -mɪn /

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

---

amphetamine Scientific  

/ 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.

---

amphetamine Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of amphetamine

First recorded in 1935–40; a(lpha) + m(ethyl) + ph(enyl) + et(hyl) + amine

Compare meaning

How does amphetamine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amphetamine vs. dextroamphetamine

Example Sentences

The songs of The Pogues are what happens when rural folk songs are hit over the head by the amphetamine punk spirit of 70s London.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023

Similarly, methylphenidate, which is FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy, can also reduce amphetamine use.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2023

The U.S. is suffering a shortage of amphetamine mixed salts, an active ingredient used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, warned the Food and Drug Administration.

From Washington Times • Oct. 14, 2022

There’s a neurochemistry of love that has been identified containing amphetamine and opiatelike substances—the chemical cocktail that is released when people fall in love.

From Scientific American • May 2, 2018

Dr. Landsverk, Re: Your and Dr. Rosenlicht's patient - My understanding is that Provigil is chemically unrelated to amphetamine.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2018

Related Words

• stimulant