nootropic

noun

no·​o·​tro·​pic ˌnō-ə-ˈtrō-pik 

: a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning

nootropic adjective

Examples of nootropic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This blend of botanicals, adaptogens and nootropics is intended to help reduce stress and anxiety. —Gizelle Lau, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Pregnant women and people with autoimmune disorders or who take blood pressure or thyroid medications should evaluate carefully before adding adaptogens or nootropics to their routine. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026

Both adaptogens and nootropics fall underneath this umbrella, though nootropics can also be synthetic compounds made in a lab. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026

What the Research Says About Brain Supplements A September 2025 narrative review on nootropics published in PMC found that while these compounds were originally designed to treat cognitive problems linked to medical conditions, healthy adults are now using them to chase mental performance. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French nootrope "nootropic drug" (from Greek noo-, combining form of nóos, contracted noûs "mind, intellect" — of uncertain origin — + French -trope "changing in the way specified," borrowed from Greek -tropos -tropous) + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nootropic

• anthropic
• atopic
• ectopic
• entropic
• myopic
• adrenocorticotropic
• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic

Medical Definition

nootropic

1 of 2 adjective

no·​o·​tro·​pic ˌnō-ə-ˈtrō-pik, -ˈträp-ik 

: of, relating to, or promoting the enhancement of cognition and memory and the facilitation of learning

nootropic drugs

nootropic

2 of 2 noun

: a nootropic substance and especially a drug

called also smart drug