/dow"neuhr/ , n.
1. Informal.
a. a depressant or sedative drug, esp. a barbiturate.
b. a depressing experience, person, or situation.
2. Animal Husb. an old or diseased animal, esp. one that cannot stand up.
[ 1910-15, Amer., for an earlier sense; 1965-70, for def. 1; DOWN 1 + -ER 1 ]