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

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

The publication also quotes a medical expert who observed that pentobarbital, the single-drug barbiturate used in Black’s execution, “should cause rapid unconsciousness. It sounds like this did not occur.”

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

No matter their source and the procedures used to conduct them, many of the pentobarbital executions carried out by the federal and state governments have not gone smoothly.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

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 • Oct. 25, 2023

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