secobarbital

noun

seco·​bar·​bi·​tal ˌse-kō-ˈbär-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce secobarbital (audio)
: a barbiturate C12H18N2O3 that is used chiefly in the form of its bitter hygroscopic sodium salt as a hypnotic and sedative

Examples of secobarbital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In their legal quest to avoid a painful death, the prisoners offer up a dark variety of alternatives, including firing squad, sevoflurane gas, diazepam and fentanyl, an oral dose of secobarbital and pentobarbital. Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, 26 June 2018 Once the secobarbital had been procured, Kathy seemed to relax. Kevin Simpson, The Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2017 Stone mixed applesauce with the powdered secobarbital, a powerful sedative that is fatal in high doses. Soumya Karlamangla, latimes.com, 30 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'secobarbital.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from Seconal, a trademark + barbital

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secobarbital was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near secobarbital

Cite this Entry

“Secobarbital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secobarbital. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

secobarbital

noun
seco·​bar·​bi·​tal ˌsek-ō-ˈbär-bə-ˌtȯl How to pronounce secobarbital (audio)
: a barbiturate that is used chiefly in the form of its bitter hygroscopic sodium salt C12H17N2NaO3 as a hypnotic and sedative

called also quinalbarbitone

see seconal

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