barbiturate

American  

[bahr-bich-er-it, -uh-reyt, bahr-bi-toor-it, -eyt, -tyoor-] / bɑrˈbɪtʃ ər ɪt, -əˌreɪt, ˌbɑr bɪˈtʊər ɪt, -eɪt, -ˈtyʊər- /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of a group of barbituric acid derivatives, used in medicine as sedatives and hypnotics.

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barbiturate British  

/ -ˌreɪt, bɑːˈbɪtjʊrɪt /

noun

1. a derivative of barbituric acid, such as phenobarbital, used in medicine as a sedative, hypnotic, or anticonvulsant

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barbiturate Scientific  

/ bär-bĭch′ər-ĭt /

1. Any of a group of drugs that act as depressants of the central nervous system, are highly addictive, and are used primarily as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital and pentobarbital are examples of barbiturates.

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Other Word Forms

• nonbarbiturate noun

Etymology

Origin of barbiturate

First recorded in 1925–30; barbitur(ic) + -ate ²

Example Sentences

Mr Crew, who died aged 74, reportedly told nurses "I want to die today" before drinking water laced with barbiturates under the supervision of Dignitas.

From BBC

The report showed that the state ultimately opted not to buy pentobarbital from a veterinarian 2017, but did consider importing the barbiturate internationally before scuttling that over logistical concerns.

From Seattle Times

Some switched to using a single drug, the barbiturate pentobarbital, which is a sedative and anticonvulsant often used before surgeries or to treat epilepsy.

From Scientific American

But conspiracists wondering why the deputy medical examiner who performed the autopsy found no barbiturate residue in the 36-year-old movie star’s stomach if she ingested the drugs orally were disappointed by the answers.

From Los Angeles Times

Saturday’s hearing primarily focused on whether the barbiturate sodium pentobarbital that was compounded into a solution by a licensed pharmacist met expiration guidelines.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• medication
• narcotic
• opiate
• sleeping pill