psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən How to pronounce psilocybin (audio)
: a hallucinogenic indole C12H17N2O4P obtained from a fungus (such as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)

Examples of psilocybin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But psychedelics, including psilocybin, were outlawed in 1970. Lisa Ling, CBS News, 15 Nov. 2023 And separate research published in 2016 determined that psilocybin treatment produced substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer. A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 Meanwhile, numerous cities and states have been moving to decriminalize psilocybin, beginning with Denver, Colo., in 2019. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2023 While out on bond, Boivin was arrested again, in September 2021, for possession of drugs including MDMA, LSD, Adderall, psilocybin, one kilogram of cocaine, and one kilogram of meth. Albert Samaha, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2023 In December 2020, a Leesburg couple bought six counterfeit pills from Graham and chocolate bars containing psilocybin mushrooms, court records show. Salvador Rizzo, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2023 Early study results have been so promising that the Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance in June for designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs, including MDMA and psilocybin, for mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2023 But Garcia emphasized the potential for psilocybin to help people. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2023 Early research shows psilocybin helps smokers quit the habit. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 29 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'psilocybin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Psilocybe, fungus genus + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psilocybin was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near psilocybin

Cite this Entry

“Psilocybin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psilocybin. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

psilocybin

noun
psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən How to pronounce psilocybin (audio)
: a chemical that is obtained from a fungus and causes hallucinations

Medical Definition

psilocybin

noun
psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən How to pronounce psilocybin (audio)
: a hallucinogenic indole C12H17N2O4P obtained from a basidiomycetous fungus (as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)

More from Merriam-Webster on psilocybin

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