AMPHETAMINE

[am.phet.amine] n [ISV alpha + methyl + phen- + ethyl + amine] (1938): a racemic compound or one of its derivatives (as dextroamphetamine or methamphetamine) frequently abused as a stimulant of the central nervous system but used clinically esp. as the sulfate or hydrochloride salt to treat hyperactive children and the symptoms of narcolepsy and as a short-term appetite suppressant in dieting