amphetamine

[ am-fet-uh-meen, -min ]
See synonyms for amphetamine on Thesaurus.com
nounPharmacology.
  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

1
First recorded in 1935–40; a(lpha) + m(ethyl) + ph(enyl) + et(hyl) + amine

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British Dictionary definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

/ (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

Origin of amphetamine

1
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

Scientific definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

[ ăm-fĕtə-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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

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

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.