methamphetamine

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noun meth·am·phet·amine \ ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn , -thəm- , -mən \

Definition of methamphetamine

:a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervious system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.
—William Finnegan

— called also meth, methedrine, speed; compare crystal meth

See methamphetamine defined for kids

Recent Examples of methamphetamine from the Web

Video recordings from the night before the overdose supposedly show Warren asking Puliafito to help her crush up methamphetamine.

— madeleine aggeler, The Cut, "Former USC Dean Reportedly Resigned After Incident Involving Prostitute and Drugs," 20 July 2017
Police found methamphetamine in the hotel room, but made no arrests.

— daniel chang, miamiherald, "Meth parties, addicts, and hookers: a former Miami medical leader’s secret life unmasked," 17 July 2017
The also reported found small amounts of methamphetamine, prescription medication and marijuana.

— ruth brown, idahostatesman, "Four arrested in Kuna heroin bust," 13 July 2017
Police said he was found in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Man faces drug charges after suspected meth lab raid," 12 July 2017
His grandmother was a methamphetamine dealer, a legacy passed down.

— kristin e. holmes, Philly.com, "A Fairhill church is redemption central for ex-offenders," 7 July 2017
Hanson has pleaded guilty to a scheme to traffic drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana in the U.S. and Australia, as well as steroids and human growth hormones to professional athletes.

— kristina davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ex-NFL player gets prison for drug dealing conspiracy," 5 July 2017
Possession of methamphetamine carries up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail.

— todd masson, NOLA.com, "Shrimp-net violation leads to drug bust, agents say," 29 June 2017
Six people were arrested at a Jeffersontown home Tuesday after police conducted a search warrant for suspected trafficking of methamphetamine.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Six arrested in Jeffersontown after search warrant for suspected meth trafficking," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'methamphetamine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of methamphetamine

1949

Medical Dictionary

methamphetamine

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noun meth·am·phet·amine \ ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən \

medical Definition of methamphetamine

:an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant — called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed