pentobarbital

American  

[pen-tuh-bahr-bi-tawl, -tal] / ˌpɛn təˈbɑr bɪˌtɔl, -ˌtæl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a barbiturate, C 1 1 H 1 7 N 2 O 3 , used as a hypnotic and as a sedative.

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Etymology

Origin of pentobarbital

1930–35; pent- ( def. ) + -o- + barbital

Example Sentences

The memo also defends the use of lethal injection, calling the drug pentobarbital "the gold standard of lethal injection drugs".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The Justice Department’s 52-page report found the use of pentobarbital to carry out death sentences is consistent with the Eighth Amendment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

It also noted, “Whether the pentobarbital had not worked as intended or the implanted heart device repeatedly shocked Black as predicted was not clear.”

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

Regarding the question of whether executions with pentobarbital are painful, the department’s review was less definitive in its conclusions than the lawyers and investigators cited above.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

When the vet injected the sodium pentobarbital, Neil fluttered her eyes, assumed a nap position, and died.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris