noun

tetrahydrocannabinol

tet-ruh-hy-droh-kuh-NAB-ih-nol

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Tetrahydrocannabinol (noun) means the main psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis, formed by adding hydrogen to cannabinol. Example: “The cannabis plant's effects come mostly from its tetrahydrocannabinol content.”

noun

technical The main psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis, formed by adding hydrogen to cannabinol.

"The cannabis plant's effects come mostly from its tetrahydrocannabinol content."

"Lab tests measure the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol in a cannabis sample."

"Some cannabis strains are bred to contain very little tetrahydrocannabinol."

How to use tetrahydrocannabinol

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTHC is the substance in cannabis that gets you high.

When to use it

Tetrahydrocannabinol is the formal, scientific name; THC is the form used in everyday speech.

Memory tip

You will almost always see this word shortened to THC outside of technical writing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

CBD

Common pairings

THC content THC levels high in THC THC concentration

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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”.

Test yourself on “tetrahydrocannabinol” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The cannabis plant's effects come mostly from its _____ content.

Etymology

The word combines the prefix tetrahydro-, showing that four hydrogen atoms have been added, with cannabinol, the compound it is derived from.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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THC

Related words

hemp

Rhymes for tetrahydrocannabinol

retinol luminol

See all rhymes for tetrahydrocannabinol →

Frequently asked questions

What does THC stand for?

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.

Is tetrahydrocannabinol the same as cannabinol?

No, tetrahydrocannabinol is a hydrogenated derivative of cannabinol, so the two are chemically related but not identical.

Why does cannabis make people feel high?

Because it contains tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound responsible for its intoxicating effects.

What is the meaning of tetrahydrocannabinol?

"tetrahydrocannabinol" (noun) means the main psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis, formed by adding hydrogen to cannabinol.

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