psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a hallucinogenic indole C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P obtained from a fungus (such as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)

Examples of psilocybin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Legalizing psychedelics: The measure would legalize the use of five natural psychedelic substances, including psilocybin, for people age 21 and up. —Jeff Weiner, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Voters in Massachusetts will be asked about Question 4, which would legalize five psychedelic drugs: psilocybin, psilocyn, mescaline, ibogaine, and DMT. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

There are only 31 psilocybin service centers currently licensed in Oregon, compared to the more than 800 cannabis shops that now dot the state. —Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024

Some research suggests psilocybin, a psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, eases depression by rewiring the brain, altering its landscape to disrupt toxic thought patterns. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Psilocybe, fungus genus + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a chemical that is obtained from a fungus and causes hallucinations

Medical Definition

psilocybin

noun

psi·​lo·​cy·​bin ˌsī-lə-ˈsī-bən 

: a hallucinogenic indole C₁₂H₁₇N₂O₄P obtained from a basidiomycetous fungus (as Psilocybe mexicana or P. cubensis synonym Stropharia cubensis)