psilocybin

American  

[sil-uh-sahy-bin, sahy-luh-] / ˌsɪl əˈsaɪ bɪn, ˌsaɪ lə- /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a hallucinogenic crystalline solid, C 1 2 H 1 7 N 2 O 4 P, obtained from the mushroom Psilocybe mexicana.

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psilocybin British  

/ ˌsɪləˈsaɪbɪn, ˌsaɪlə- /

noun

1. a crystalline phosphate ester that is the active principle of the hallucinogenic fungus Psilocybe mexicana. Formula: C 12 H 17 N 2 O 4 P

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psilocybin Scientific  

/ sĭl′ə-sī′bĭn,sī′lə- /

1. A hallucinogenic compound obtained from certain mushrooms, especially of the genus Psilocybe. Chemical formula: C ₁₂ H ₁₇ N ₂ O ₄ P.

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Etymology

Origin of psilocybin

1955–60; < New Latin Psilocyb ( e ) genus of mushrooms (< Greek psīló ( s ) bare + kýbē head) + -in ²

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

psilocybin

While stressing that psilocybin is not a cure for cancer, he describes its potential impact on some patients as "revolutionary".

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

He says a cancer diagnosis can leave people confronting questions about mortality, purpose and the future, and that psilocybin may help some patients come to terms with that reality.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

The findings could eventually help clinicians refine psilocybin treatments for people with mental health conditions.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

"We already knew psilocybin could be helpful for treating mental illness," Carhart-Harris said.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

Compass Pathways confirmed an FDA priority voucher for its psilocybin candidate.

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 2026

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