methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
-thəm-,
-mən
: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C10H15N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C10H15N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties
methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In Houston, Homeland Security Investigations, a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, announced last month the discovery of 6½ tons of methamphetamine that smugglers tried to bring into the Eagle Pass Port. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 An investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of methamphetamine. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 An autopsy found burst bags of methamphetamine with cocaine in his mouth and throat. Don Reid, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 The officers found a key to a nearby La Quinta Inn and were told by the associate that there was a stash of methamphetamine in the hotel room. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Feb. 2024 Authorities also recovered $40,000 in cash, ecstasy, over three ounces of methamphetamine and more than 625,000 milligrams of pure ketamine. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2024 Brett Scott Funderburk, 34, and Eric Eugene Allen, 42, were both sentenced after pleading guilty to several charges that included distribution of methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2024 Last week, San Francisco police narcotics detectives arrested four individuals and confiscated 44 pounds of drugs, including 32 pounds of methamphetamine. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Communications intercepted from six of these phones led to the seizure of an additional 40 pounds of methamphetamine, over 14 pounds of fentanyl, 9.5 pounds of heroin, and 8.5 pounds of cocaine. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of methamphetamine was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near methamphetamine

Cite this Entry

“Methamphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methamphetamine. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun
meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun
meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən How to pronounce methamphetamine (audio)
: an amine C10H15N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C10H15N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed

More from Merriam-Webster on methamphetamine

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