amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a racemic compound C₉H₁₃N or one of its derivatives (such as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is often abused illicitly, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C₉H₁₃N·H₂SO₄ to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The autopsy also found that Ellis had amphetamine, cannabinoids, and methamphetamine in his system. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Some of those other substances may include caffeine, bath salts, amphetamines and fentanyl, Fenno says. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Based on the laboratory’s study, 7-OH — a drug that basically did not exist two years ago, and which is sold unregulated at gas stations and smoke shops — ranks third among illicit substances detected in workplace drug tests, behind marijuana and amphetamines. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025

Miami Beach Police announced that the 22-year-old was taken into custody early Saturday on multiple charges, including possessing amphetamine and marijuana, along with resisting an officer without violence. —Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

a(lpha) entry 2 + m(ethyl) + phe(n-) + et(hyl) + amine

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for amphetamine

• acetylene
• adenosine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• chlorobenzene
• chlorpromazine

Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

-mən

: a compound or one made from it used medically to increase the activity of the central nervous system but often abused for its stimulant effects

Medical Definition

amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn  -mən 

: a racemic sympathomimetic amine C₉H₁₃N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is frequently abused illicitly often leading to dependence, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C₉H₁₃N·H₂SO₄ to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall