amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-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 disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The limestone five-bed, five-bath is a short walk to Central Park, but the interiors are decidedly Versailles on amphetamines. Curbed, 12 Sep. 2023 In mid-October 2022 the FDA announced a shortage of mixed amphetamine salts, more commonly known as Adderall, a stimulant drug commonly used to treat ADHD. Mikhal Weiner, Parents, 27 Oct. 2023 Adderall, the amphetamine that’s given to kids for ADHD. Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023 Jordan’s armed forces routinely shoot down drones flying in from Syria and carrying amphetamines. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 29 Sep. 2023 Indeed, haloperidol and olanzapine countered the amphetamine’s effect on D2, as expected. WIRED, 7 Aug. 2023 But in 2022, the manufacturers of amphetamine medications produced about 1 billion fewer doses than they were permitted to make, according to government records. Christina Caron, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Aug. 2023 Inside the Jeep, police found 40 amphetamine pills, a schedule II drug. cleveland, 11 Sep. 2023 Emergency department visits related to amphetamines rose nearly 50 percent in two years, from 2018 to 2020, the analysis found. Soumya Karlamangla, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphetamine was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near amphetamine

Cite this Entry

“Amphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphetamine. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-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 How to pronounce amphetamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
: 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 disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall

More from Merriam-Webster on amphetamine

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