ketamine

noun

ke·​ta·​mine ˈke-tə-ˌmēn  ˈkē- 

: a general anesthetic that is administered intravenously and intramuscularly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₃H₁₆ClNO·HCl and that is used illicitly usually by being inhaled in powdered form especially for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces

Note: Ketamine is also called Special K when used as a recreational drug

Examples of ketamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When that had little effect, hospital staff gave him ketamine, an anesthetic used for surgery, and Estupinan was intubated for his safety. —Miami Herald, 10 July 2025

Rocklin police asked protesters to remain quiet and avoid crowding the entrance to Kiley’s office, which stands next to a ketamine therapy clinic. —Calista Oetama, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025

Witnesses testified that Combs gave the women ketamine, ecstasy and GHB to keep them compliant during the performances. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2025

Prior to his death, Perry was being treated with a legal but controversial ketamine treatment under the supervision of his doctor. —Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

ket(one) + amine

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ketamine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

ketamine

noun

ke·​ta·​mine ˈkēt-ə-ˌmēn 

: a general anesthetic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₃H₁₆ClNO·HCl and that is used illicitly usually by being inhaled in powdered form especially for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces see special k