amphetamine

[ am-fet-uh-meen, -min ]

/ æmˈfɛt əˌmin, -mɪn /

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noun Pharmacology.

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

Words nearby amphetamine

Ampère's law, ampere-turn, amperometric, amperometric titration, ampersand, amphetamine, amphi-, Amphiaraus, amphiarthrosis, amphiaster, amphibaric

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use amphetamine in a sentence

He also got hooked on amphetamines, thereby sleeping and eating little, while roaring high and fast on his motorcycle.
Perspective-changing experiences, good or bad, can lead to richer lives|Sujata Gupta|September 1, 2021|Science News
As a result, the country has emerged as ground zero for producing and exporting the dangerous narcotic Captagon, which gives a faster high than traditional amphetamine.
No Change for Syria, Despite Elections|Sean Culligan|May 27, 2021|Ozy
He appeared to be going without sleep for long periods and, according to more than one witness, had developed a serious dependence on amphetamines.
‘The Double Life of Bob Dylan’ is the definitive account of a shape-shifting genius’s early years|David Kirby|May 20, 2021|Washington Post
Then the cicadas spring into action as cathinone, a behavior-altering amphetamine in the fungus, takes over their brains and encourages them to ignore the fact that half their bodies are missing.
A fungus could turn some cicadas into sex-crazed ‘salt shakers of death’|Marisa Iati|May 19, 2021|Washington Post

Working up to 20 hours a day, taking amphetamines to stay awake and breaking up fights when necessary, he bought additional bars, introduced strip dancing, and by the early 1970s created a prototype Hustler brand of adult clubs in seven Ohio cities.
Larry Flynt, pornographer and self-styled First Amendment champion, dies at 78|Paul W. Valentine|February 10, 2021|Washington Post
Chemically speaking, Molly is an amphetamine with a twist of phenethylamine (a hallucinogen).
Molly: The Dangerous Drug That’s Too Good to Quit|Abby Haglage|September 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
When I was around 14-ish, I was put on amphetamine therapy for ADHD.
'My Drug Story,' Entry 1|Justin Green|January 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The chemicals in 'bath salts' seem to be cousins of the amphetamine agents that debuted as crystal meth.
What 'Bath Salts' Will—and Won’t—Make You Do|Kent Sepkowitz|June 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
How come in the amphetamine rush of the 1980s nobody worried about the sanctity of baseball?
Clemens Prosecutors Strike Out|Buzz Bissinger|July 15, 2011|DAILY BEAST
These steroids were mental—amphetamine-based ADHD drugs, particularly Adderall, as a way to sharpen focus and gain an edge.
Exclusive: Baseball's Amped-Up Steroids Pioneer|Randall Lane|June 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
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

/ (æmˈfɛtəˌmiːn, -mɪn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for amphetamine

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

Medical definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

[ ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′, -mĭn ]

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.

A chemical derivative of amphetamine, such as dextroamphetamine sulfate.

Scientific definitions for amphetamine

amphetamine

[ ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′ ]

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.

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.

amphetamine

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Origin of amphetamine

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British Dictionary definitions for amphetamine

Word Origin for amphetamine

Medical definitions for amphetamine

Scientific definitions for amphetamine

Cultural definitions for amphetamine