methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈme-thə-ˌdōn 

variants or less commonly methadon

ˈme-thə-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

Examples of methadone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Interventions included increasing access to medications like methadone and buprenorphine by reducing restrictions, supporting health care providers, and working with jails and prisons. —Lev Facher, STAT, 16 June 2024

The church operates a methadone clinic with hundreds of patients, whom the Trump campaign expressed interest in talking with, Sewell said. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 15 June 2024

In two earlier meetings, the advisory committee voted to approve $500,000 to buy harm reduction supplies and $4 million to pay for two new mobile methadone vans, which will be capable of dispensing that addiction treatment medication in more remote corners of the state. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 15 May 2024

In Tanzania, the situation has gotten so dire that the government sponsors methadone clinics, the first of their kind in mainland sub-Saharan Africa. —Tom Woods, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2016

Word History

Etymology

methyl + amino + diphenyl + -one

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a narcotic drug C₂₁H₂₇NO that is used to replace heroin in the treatment of heroin addiction

Medical Definition

methadone

noun

meth·​a·​done ˈmeth-ə-ˌdōn 

variants also methadon

-ˌdän 

: a synthetic addictive narcotic drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C₂₁H₂₇NO·HCl for the relief of pain and as a substitute narcotic in the treatment of heroin addiction

called also amidone