barbiturate

[ bahr-bich-er-it, -uh-reyt; bahr-bi-too r-it, -eyt, -tyoo r- ]
/ bɑrˈbɪtʃ ər ɪt, -əˌreɪt; ˌbɑr bɪˈtʊər ɪt, -eɪt, -ˈtyʊər- /

noun Pharmacology.

any of a group of barbituric acid derivatives, used in medicine as sedatives and hypnotics.

Origin of barbiturate

First recorded in 1925–30; barbitur(ic) + -ate2

OTHER WORDS FROM barbiturate

non·bar·bit·u·rate, noun

British Dictionary definitions for barbiturate

barbiturate
/ (bɑːˈbɪtjʊrɪt, -ˌreɪt) /

noun

a derivative of barbituric acid, such as phenobarbital, used in medicine as a sedative, hypnotic, or anticonvulsant

Medical definitions for barbiturate

barbiturate
[ bär-bĭchər-ĭt, -ə-rāt′, bär′bĭ-turĭt, -āt′ ]

n.

A salt or ester of barbituric acid.
Any of a group of barbituric acid derivatives that act as central nervous system depressants and are used as sedatives or hypnotics.

Scientific definitions for barbiturate

barbiturate
[ bär-bĭchər-ĭt ]

Any of a group of drugs that act as depressants of the central nervous system, are highly addictive, and are used primarily as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital and pentobarbital are examples of barbiturates.