amphetamine

UK: æmˈfetəmiːn | US: æmˈfɛtəˌmin

Definition

  1. n. a synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, used medically to treat ADHD and narcolepsy but also abused recreationally.

Structure
a <alpha>methyl <chemical group>phen <phenyl>ethyl <chemical group>amine <nitrogen compound>a <alpha>methyl <chemical group>phen <phenyl>ethyl <chemical group>amine <nitrogen compound>
Etymology

The word amphetamine was coined in 1887 by combining chemical terms to describe its structure: alpha-methyl-phen-ethyl-amine. Its name reflects its molecular composition, with each morpheme representing a functional group. The "story" lies in its scientific construction—a methodical assembly of Greek and Latin roots to label a synthetic compound.

Examples

  1. Amphetamine was originally developed as a nasal decongestant.

  2. Doctors prescribe amphetamine for severe cases of ADHD.

  3. Abuse of amphetamine can lead to addiction and cardiovascular damage.

  4. The chemical structure of amphetamine includes a phenyl ring.

  5. Military forces historically used amphetamine to combat fatigue.