amphetamines
|am-phet-a-mines|
🇺🇸
/æmˈfɛtəˌminz/
🇬🇧
/æmˈfɛtəmiːnz/
(amphetamine)
stimulant drug
Etymology
'amphetamine' originates from the chemical name 'alpha-methylphenethylamine', where 'alpha' refers to the position of the methyl group in the chemical structure.
'alpha-methylphenethylamine' was shortened to 'amphetamine' for ease of use in medical and scientific contexts.
Initially, it was used for its stimulant properties, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a class of potent central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Doctors often prescribe amphetamines to help manage ADHD symptoms.
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Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/07/20 20:06