amyl nitrite

American  

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a yellowish, fragrant, flammable liquid, C 5 H 11 NO 2 , used in medicine chiefly as a vasodilator, especially in the treatment of angina pectoris: misused by inhalation as a stimulant, especially of sexual sensation.

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amyl nitrite British  

noun

1. a yellowish unstable volatile fragrant liquid used in medicine as a vasodilator and in perfumes. Formula: (CH 3 ) 2 CHCH 2 CH 2 NO 2

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Usage

Amyl nitrite vs. amyl nitrate: What’s the difference? Amyl nitrate is a chemical compound used as a diesel additive. It is often confused with amyl nitrite, a substance used to treat certain heart conditions and abused as a recreational drug commonly known as poppers. Amyl nitrate—chemical formula C5H11NO3—is a slightly but significantly different chemical from amyl nitrite, C5H11NO2. Nitrates have three oxygen molecules while nitrites have two. How do you pronounce amyl nitrate?[ am-il nahy-treyt ]How do you pronounce amyl nitrite?[ am-il nahy-trahyt ]​

Example Sentences

People who suffer from the sudden, sharp chest pains called angina pectoris usually carry nitroglycerin pills or amyl nitrite for quick, dramatic relief.

From Time Magazine Archive

Nowadays, Dr. Master notes, amyl nitrite is seldom given because it causes too general a dilation of the arteries.

From Time Magazine Archive

In diseases of the heart the sudden vasodilation caused by amyl nitrite inhalations is indicated only in angina pectoris.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

Pressure Depressors Nitroglycerine and amyl nitrite, action transitory but rapid.

From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Warfield, Louis Marshall

Nitroglycerin, the Spiritus Glonoini of the U. S. P., acts in about the same manner as amyl nitrite but the effects last usually a trifle longer.

From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Warfield, Louis Marshall