n.
Pronunciation: am- ' fe-t ə - ˌ m ē n, -m ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary a lpha + m ethyl + ph en- + et hyl + amine
Date: 1938
: a racemic compound C 9 H 13 N or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) frequently abused as a stimulant of the central nervous system but used clinically especially as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt to treat hyperactive children and the symptoms of narcolepsy and as a short-term appetite suppressant in dieting