ritalin
Ritalin (noun) means the brand name (now often used generically) for methylphenidate, a stimulant medication prescribed to treat ADHD and, historically, narcolepsy. Example: “His doctor prescribed Ritalin to help him focus at school.”
How to use ritalin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA well-known ADHD medication, chemically known as methylphenidate.
Don't assume all methylphenidate products are "Ritalin" — several other brand names (e.g. Concerta) use the same active ingredient in different formulations.
Ritalin is technically a trademark; "methylphenidate" is the generic term used in clinical and legal contexts.
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His doctor prescribed _____ to help him focus at school.
Etymology
Coined in the 1940s by the Swiss chemist Leandro Panizzon, who synthesized the drug and named it after his wife Marguerite, nicknamed "Rita."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ritalin
See all rhymes for ritalin →Frequently asked questions
What does “ritalin” mean?
The word “ritalin” means the brand name (now often used generically) for methylphenidate, a stimulant medication prescribed to treat ADHD and, historically, narcolepsy. In plain terms, a well-known ADHD medication, chemically known as methylphenidate.
How do you use “ritalin” in a sentence?
Here is “ritalin” used in a sentence: “His doctor prescribed Ritalin to help him focus at school.”
What part of speech is “ritalin”?
“Ritalin” is a noun.
Where does the word “ritalin” come from?
The word “ritalin” dates back to around 1940. Coined in the 1940s by the Swiss chemist Leandro Panizzon, who synthesized the drug and named it after his wife Marguerite, nicknamed "Rita.".