ketamine

noun

ke·​ta·​mine ˈke-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce ketamine (audio) ˈkē- How to pronounce ketamine (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paul testified to seeing Combs use drugs multiple times—including cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy, and marijuana. Essence, 20 June 2025 The urine test was taken 12 days after The New York Times alleged that the Tesla CEO had been a near-daily user of ketamine while campaigning for President Donald Trump in 2024. Meredith Kile, People.com, 17 June 2025 His posts come weeks after the Times article was published, reporting the Tesla CEO was using ketamine and other drugs while campaigning with President Trump. Rachel Scully, The Hill, 17 June 2025 Three others who were charged in the scheme, including Perry’s live-in personal assistant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ketamine

Word History

Etymology

ket(one) + amine

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketamine was in 1966

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Cite this Entry

“Ketamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketamine. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

ketamine

noun
ke·​ta·​mine ˈkēt-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce ketamine (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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