noun
barbiturate
bar-BIT-chuh-rit
Barbiturate (noun) means any of a group of drugs derived from barbituric acid that slow down the central nervous system and are used as sedatives. Example: “The doctor warned that barbiturates can be dangerous in overdose.”
noun
1
medical Any of a group of drugs derived from barbituric acid that slow down the central nervous system and are used as sedatives.
"The doctor warned that barbiturates can be dangerous in overdose."
"Barbiturates were once widely prescribed as sleeping pills."
"The patient was given a barbiturate before the procedure."
2
technical In chemistry, a compound formed from barbituric acid, such as one of its salts or esters.
"The chemist studied the structure of a simple barbiturate."
"Each barbiturate in the series differs slightly in its side groups."
How to use barbiturate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA type of sedative drug that slows the nervous system.
When to use it
It is a medical and pharmacological term, and the clipping barb is informal.
Common pairings
barbiturate overdose
prescribe a barbiturate
barbiturate abuse
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Etymology
The word was borrowed from German Barbiturat, which is made up of barbituric and the ending -ate.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for barbiturate
See all rhymes for barbiturate →Frequently asked questions
What is a barbiturate?
It is a drug derived from barbituric acid that slows brain and nerve activity and is used to calm or induce sleep.
How do you pronounce barbiturate?
In British English it is pronounced roughly bar-BIT-chuh-rit, with the stress on the second syllable.
Is a barbiturate the same as a benzodiazepine?
No. Both are sedative drugs, but they have different chemical structures.
What is the meaning of barbiturate?
"barbiturate" (noun) means any of a group of drugs derived from barbituric acid that slow down the central nervous system and are used as sedatives.
