methaqualone

[muh-thak-wuh-lohn, meth-uh-kwey-lohn, -kwol-ohn]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a nonbarbiturate sedative-hypnotic substance, C 1 6 H 1 4 N 2 O, used to induce sleep: also widely used as an illicit drug.

methaqualone

/ ˌmɛθəˈkweɪləʊn /

noun

1. a nonbarbituate sedative drug used to treat stress and insomnia. Formula: C 16 H 14 N 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of methaqualone¹

1960–65; meth(yl) + -a- of uncertain derivation + qu(in)a(zo)l(in)one ( quinazoline, -one )

Example Sentences

In her reporting, Ms. Cameron observed an epidemic of green nail polish and other “Cabaret”-inspired behaviors in Beltway bars, and slyly reviewed a new party drug, methaqualone.

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In the 1980s, the methaqualone quota was reduced to combat the illicit use of quaaludes.

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The DEA was onto Seal for a long time before securing an indictment against him in March 1983 on several counts, including conspiracy to distribute methaqualone and possession with intent to distribute Quaaludes.

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In the UK, methaqualone was sold under the name Mandrax and became popular too.

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Mandrax is the Southwest Asian slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant.

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