noun

ketamine

KEHT-uh-mihn

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Ketamine (noun) means a synthetic drug used medically as an anaesthetic and painkiller, and sometimes taken illegally for its dissociative, hallucinogenic effects. Example: “Vets commonly use ketamine to sedate animals before surgery.”

noun

A synthetic drug used medically as an anaesthetic and painkiller, and sometimes taken illegally for its dissociative, hallucinogenic effects.

"Vets commonly use ketamine to sedate animals before surgery."

"Doctors are studying low-dose ketamine as a fast-acting treatment for severe depression."

How to use ketamine

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA powerful anaesthetic drug, also misused recreationally, that can cause a dreamlike, detached state.

Common pairings

ketamine infusion ketamine abuse low-dose ketamine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ketamines

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Vets commonly use _____ to sedate animals before surgery.

Etymology

A blend of "ketone" and "amine", reflecting its chemical structure; the drug was first developed in the mid-1960s.

· First attested 1960

Class of 1960 ketamine joined the language around 1960.

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Synonyms

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Ketalar ketamine hydrochloride

Rhymes for ketamine

nine mine wine line sine dine fine thine shine Rhine Maine seine

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Frequently asked questions

What does “ketamine” mean?

The word “ketamine” means a synthetic drug used medically as an anaesthetic and painkiller, and sometimes taken illegally for its dissociative, hallucinogenic effects. In plain terms, a powerful anaesthetic drug, also misused recreationally, that can cause a dreamlike, detached state.

How do you pronounce “ketamine”?

“Ketamine” is pronounced KEHT-uh-mihn (/ˈkɛt.əˌmin/ in IPA).

How do you use “ketamine” in a sentence?

Here is “ketamine” used in a sentence: “Vets commonly use ketamine to sedate animals before surgery.”

What part of speech is “ketamine”?

“Ketamine” is a noun.

Where does the word “ketamine” come from?

The word “ketamine” dates back to around 1960. A blend of "ketone" and "amine", reflecting its chemical structure; the drug was first developed in the mid-1960s.