amyl nitrite

noun

: a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C5H11NO2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used in medicine as a vasodilator and inhaled illicitly especially as an aphrodisiac compare popper sense 2

Examples of amyl nitrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The items, often packaged in small bottles similar to energy shot beverages, contain chemical substances similar to the prescription medication, amyl nitrite, which is used to relieve chest pain. Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, 26 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amyl nitrite was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near amyl nitrite

Cite this Entry

“Amyl nitrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amyl%20nitrite. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

amyl nitrite

noun
: a pale yellow pungent flammable liquid ester C5H11NO2 of commercial amyl alcohol and nitrous acid that is used chiefly in medicine as a vasodilator especially in treating angina pectoris and illicitly as an aphrodisiac

called also isoamyl nitrite

compare popper

More from Merriam-Webster on amyl nitrite

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!