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 disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heroin, cocaine and amphetamines were common in ports a generation ago. —C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024

The autopsy also showed Eberly had THC — the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana — and amphetamines in his system, according to the affidavit. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2024

Russian authorities said Woodland was in possession of the synthetic amphetamine mephedrone when he was arrested, according to the Moscow Times. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2024

Armies have kept their soldiers nourished, brave, and alert with daily doses of rum, caffeine, and even amphetamines. —Richard Feinberg, Foreign Affairs, 20 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

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 disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall