methamphetamine

American  

[meth-am-fet-uh-meen, -min] / ˌmɛθ æmˈfɛt əˌmin, -mɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

methamphetamines plural

1. a central nervous system stimulant, C 1 0 H 1 5 N, used clinically in the treatment of narcolepsy, hyperkinesia, and for blood pressure maintenance in hypotensive states: also widely used as an illicit drug.

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methamphetamine British  

/ ˌmɛθæmˈfɛtəmɪn /

noun

1. a variety of amphetamine used for its stimulant action

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methamphetamine Scientific  

/ mĕth′ăm-fĕt′ə-mēn′,-mĭn /

1. An amine derivative of amphetamine, C ₁₀ H ₁₅ N, used in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride both as a central nervous system stimulant in the medical treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and illicitly as a recreational drug.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• methamphetamines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of methamphetamine

First recorded in 1945–50; meth- + amphetamine

Compare meaning

How does methamphetamine compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• methadone vs. methamphetamine

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

methamphetamine methamphetamines

Border Patrol seizures represent a minority – between 13% and 19% – of the total weight of seizures at the border for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.

From Reuters ● Aug. 9, 2023

Luis Carrillo, the Bronstein family’s attorney, said there was only a “trace” amount of methamphetamine in the victim’s system and argued that the officers’ actions were the primary cause of death.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2023

Dr. David Fowler, a former chief medical examiner for the state of Maryland, said the fentanyl and methamphetamine in Floyd's system, and possible carbon monoxide poisoning from auto exhaust, were contributing factors in his death.

From Fox News ● Apr. 15, 2021

Tobin was the first of several prosecution experts Thursday to repeatedly refute the defense’s attempts to claim that Floyd’s health and small amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system caused his death.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 8, 2021

In opening statements, the defense has suggested that Mr. Floyd’s death, which the county medical examiner ruled a homicide, may actually have been caused by the fentanyl and methamphetamine found in his system.

From New York Times ● Apr. 2, 2021

US President Donald Trump has made the fight against criminal gangs sending illicit drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines and cocaine one of his priorities.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2026

The precious commodity that drives Michoacán’s economy and feeds an American obsession is not marijuana or methamphetamines but avocados, which local residents have taken to calling “green gold.”

From New York Times ● Mar. 27, 2018