amphetamine

noun

am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-mən
: a racemic compound C9H13N or one of its derivatives (such as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is often abused illicitly, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C9H13N·H2SO4 to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant

Examples of amphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The toxicology report indicated that Davis tested positive for multiple substances, including amphetamines/methamphetamines and cannabinoids. Zach Powell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 Davis had amphetamines/methamphetamines and cannabinoids in his system, the autopsy report says. Victoria Ballard, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025 Infected periodical cicadas have been found to carry cathinone, a psychoactive compound that is chemically related to amphetamines, according to an October 2019 study published in Fungal Ecology. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 In their opening arguments, Schoenberg and Assistant State Attorney Stewart Stone agreed toxicology tests taken 11 hours after the mid-day accidents showed Kraft had substantial amounts of methamphetamine and amphetamine in his blood. Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amphetamine

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphetamine was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Amphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphetamine. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
-mən
: a compound or one made from it used medically to increase the activity of the central nervous system but often abused for its stimulant effects

Medical Definition

amphetamine

noun
am·​phet·​amine am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce amphetamine (audio) -mən How to pronounce amphetamine (audio)
: a racemic sympathomimetic amine C9H13N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) that is a stimulant of the central nervous system, is frequently abused illicitly often leading to dependence, and is used clinically especially in the form of its sulfate C9H13N·H2SO4 to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy and formerly as a short-term appetite suppressant see adderall

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