methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-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 hyperactivity 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

Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine. —Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Dec. 2024

Observant officers in a New Zealand airport unwrapped $2 million worth of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents that a Canadian woman attempted to conceal. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024

In foregoing any criminal charges, prosecutors cited a toxicology report prepared by the Medical Examiner’s Office that found methamphetamine in Kamara’s system. —Jeff McDonald, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024

During a pat-down search, Chelsea removed a smoking device from her bra, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: 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 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed