Main Entry:

am·phet·amine

Pronunciation:

\am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn, -mən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

International Scientific Vocabulary alpha + methyl + phen- + ethyl + amine

Date:

1938

: a racemic compound C₉H₁₃N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) frequently abused as a stimulant of the central nervous system but used clinically especially as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt to treat hyperactive children and the symptoms of narcolepsy and as a short-term appetite suppressant in dieting