phencyclidine

noun

phen·​cy·​cli·​dine (ˌ)fen-ˈsi-klə-ˌdēn 

-ˈsī-, 

-dən

: a piperidine derivative C₁₇H₂₅N used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride especially as a veterinary anesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug

called also angel dust, PCP

Examples of phencyclidine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Today’s tests are available for opioids, cocaine, marijuana, barbiturates, phencyclidine and even tricyclic antidepressants. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Calls about other psychedelics mostly held steady, though those related to hallucinogenic stimulants and phencyclidine (PCP) decreased. — Meg Wingerter, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025

An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner showed that Felix’s cause of death was from acute phencyclidine intoxication. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 May 2024

Ketamine was the more practical stepchild of a more potent and longer acting drug that was developed in the 1950s, called phencyclidine or angel dust. — Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 23 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

phen- + cycl- + -idine

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phencyclidine

• aconitine
• anopheline
• antipyrine
• bromocriptine
• chlorhexidine
• clomipramine
• creatinine
• desipramine
• guanethidine
• heterodyne
• imipramine
• meperidine

Medical Definition

phencyclidine

noun

phen·​cy·​cli·​dine (ˈ)fen-ˈsik-lə-ˌdēn  -ˈsī-klə- 

-dən

: a piperidine derivative used chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₇H₂₅N·HCl especially as a veterinary anesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug to induce vivid mental imagery

called also angel dust, PCP