definitions
  • synonyms

methadone

[ meth-uh-dohn ]
/ ˈmɛθ əˌdoʊn /
|

noun Pharmacology.

a synthetic narcotic, C21H28ClNO, similar to morphine but effective orally, used in the relief of pain and as a heroin substitute in the treatment of heroin addiction.

Nearby words

methacetin, methacrylate, methacrylate resin, methacrylic acid, methadon, methadone, methadone hydrochloride, methaemoglobin, methamphetamine, methamphetamine hydrochloride, methanal
Also meth·a·don [meth-uh-don] /ˈmɛθ əˌdɒn/.

Origin of methadone

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; meth(yl) + a(mino) + d(iphenyl) + (heptan)one
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for methadone

British Dictionary definitions for methadone

methadone

methadon (ˈmɛθəˌdɒn)

/ (ˈmɛθəˌdəʊn) /

noun

a narcotic analgesic drug similar to morphine, used to treat opiate addiction. Formula: C 21 H 27 NO

Word Origin for methadone

C20: from (di) meth (yl) + a (mino) + d (iphenyl) + -one
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

Word Origin and History for methadone

methadone

n.

1947, generic designation for 6-dimethylamino-4, 4-diphenyl-3-heptanone. For origins of the syllables, see methyl + amino + di- + -one.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Culture definitions for methadone

methadone

[ (meth-uh-dohn) ]

An analgesic that is sometimes used in the treatment of drug addiction.

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.