ketamine

noun

ke·​ta·​mine ˈke-tə-ˌmēn  ˈkē- 

: a general anesthetic that is administered intravenously and intramuscularly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₃H₁₆ClNO·HCl and that is used illicitly usually by being inhaled in powdered form especially for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces

Note: Ketamine is also called Special K when used as a recreational drug

Examples of ketamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To try to subdue him, paramedics injected him with 500 milligrams of ketamine, enough for someone close to twice his weight. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

The anesthetic ketamine disrupts pain pathways that contribute to a condition called central sensitization. —Heather Margonari, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024

Payne reportedly had a recreational drug that is typically made up of MDMA, ketamine and methamphetamine in his system. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Earlier this year, the Biden administration proposed changing marijuana to a Schedule III, which will put it in a lower-risk category with drugs like ketamine. —Marin Cogan, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ket(one) + amine

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ketamine

noun

ke·​ta·​mine ˈkēt-ə-ˌmēn 

: a general anesthetic that is administered intravenously or intramuscularly in the form of its hydrochloride C₁₃H₁₆ClNO·HCl and that is used illicitly usually by being inhaled in powdered form especially for the dreamlike or hallucinogenic state it produces see special k