psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: 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

Undercover detectives emerged with big brown bags of cannabis and psilocybin mushroom products. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024

Other companies are testing the use of psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and LSD to treat mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 June 2024

Over the last decade, investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into biotechs promising to turn molecules like psilocybin, DMT, ibogaine, and LSD into drugs for conditions such as depression, anorexia, and addiction. —Jason Mast, STAT, 5 June 2024

If the drug is approved, the U.S. would become the second country to do so, after Australian regulators approved medicine containing MDMA and psilocybin for treatment of PTSD and depression earlier this year. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Psilocybe, fungus genus + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a chemical that is obtained from a fungus and causes hallucinations

Medical Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a hallucinogenic indole C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P obtained from a basidiomycetous fungus (as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)