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

That review comes at a time when states have turned to pentobarbital due to a shortage of other lethal injection drugs.

From Salon

A federal court appeal focuses on how Missouri injects the fatal dose of pentobarbital.

From Seattle Times

Prison officials have said they get the sedative pentobarbital from a compounding pharmacy whose identity is shielded by state law.

From Seattle Times

The justices in February will allow lawyers for the inmates to make new arguments, including their assertion that pentobarbital compounded and mixed has a shelf life of about 45 days.

From Seattle Times

Speer’s attorneys had also asked to stop his execution over claims the state’s supply of pentobarbital, the drug used in executions, was exposed to extreme heat during a recent fire, making it unsafe.

From Seattle Times