ephedrine

noun

ephed·​rine i-ˈfe-drən How to pronounce ephedrine (audio)
 British also  ˈe-fə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride or sulfate as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ma huang, pseudoephedrine

Examples of ephedrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Additionally, the tests revealed lower levels of Valium, marijuana and ephedrine present at the time of his death. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 31 Oct. 2023 During the 1994 World Cup, Maradona played in just two games before doping tests found ephedrine in his urine sample. Lewis Kamb, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2023 Also commonly referred to as ephedrine, this ingredient has a reputation for being straight-up dangerous, and rightfully so. Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023 Bitter orange extract is found in citrus fruits such as Seville oranges and contains synephrine, a stimulant with effects similar to ephedrine, according to a 2012 study. Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 31 Aug. 2023 Some of these compounds are stimulants, like ephedrine, and others can produce powerful hallucinations, delirium and out-of-body experiences. Gary Laderman, Fortune Well, 17 July 2023 Menorca Strands Researchers found the chemicals, along with the stimulant ephedrine, inside strands of hair buried deep in a cave on the Spanish island of Menorca, not far from an earlier burial site. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2023 Starting in 2005, the government cracked down on ephedrine, and supplies of meth dried up. Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 13 Dec. 2022 Bitter Orange Extract Bitter orange extract contains synephrine, an ephedrine analog that speeds up metabolism, burns fat, and suppresses appetite. Dallas News, 11 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ephedrine.' 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

New Latin Ephedra

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ephedrine was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near ephedrine

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

ephedrine

noun
ephed·​rine i-ˈfed-rən How to pronounce ephedrine (audio)
: a basic substance obtained from Chinese woody plants or made artificially and used as a salt in relieving hay fever, asthma, and nasal congestion

Medical Definition

ephedrine

noun
ephed·​rine
i-ˈfed-rən, British also ˈef-ə-drən
: a crystalline alkaloid C10H15NO extracted from a Chinese ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or synthesized that has the physiological action of epinephrine and is usually used in the form of its hydrochloride C10H15NO·HCl or sulfate (C10H15NO)2·H2SO4 as a bronchodilator, nasal decongestant, and vasopressor see ephedra sense 2, pseudoephedrine

More from Merriam-Webster on ephedrine

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!